Cost of Living: Boise, ID vs Ontario, CA (2026)

Boise

Idaho
112
VS

Ontario

California
152

Boise is 26% cheaper than Ontario.

$1,359/mo ↓ 29%
Median Rent
$1,916/mo ↑ 41%
$81,308/yr ↓ 2%
Median Income
$82,806/yr ↑ 2%
$456,000 ↓ 20%
Home Value
$568,000 ↑ 25%
$1,337/mo ↓ 32%
Owner Costs
$1,967/mo ↑ 47%
235,701
Population
178,347

Tax Comparison

5.8%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.63%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

20.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boise, ID and Ontario, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 152 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $557/month cheaper in Boise, saving renters about $6,684/year.

Median household income is $1,498/year higher in Ontario. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boise is $456,000 compared to $568,000 in Ontario.

Idaho has a lower income tax rate, making Boise slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Boise vs Ontario — common questions

Is Boise or Ontario cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Boise is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 152 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boise and Ontario?
Median rent in Boise is $1,359/month and in Ontario it's $1,916/month — a difference of $557/month.
Which city has higher income, Boise or Ontario?
Median household income is $81,308 in Boise and $82,806 in Ontario. Median household income is $1,498/year higher in Ontario.
How do taxes compare between Idaho and California?
Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Boise or Ontario?
It depends on your priorities. Boise has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,359/mo, while Ontario has a cost index of 152 with rent of $1,916/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Boise details → View Ontario details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Boise and Ontario

Boise vs. Scottsdale Boise vs. Arlington Boise vs. Garland Boise vs. Norfolk Boise vs. Glendale Boise vs. Enterprise Ontario vs. Aurora Ontario vs. Eugene Ontario vs. Chattanooga Ontario vs. Elk Grove Ontario vs. Fort Lauderdale Ontario vs. Santa Rosa