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

Boise

Idaho
112
VS

Orange

California
206

Boise is 46% cheaper than Orange.

$1,359/mo ↓ 40%
Median Rent
$2,252/mo ↑ 66%
$81,308/yr ↓ 30%
Median Income
$116,945/yr ↑ 44%
$456,000 ↓ 49%
Home Value
$900,700 ↑ 98%
$1,337/mo ↓ 44%
Owner Costs
$2,394/mo ↑ 79%
235,701
Population
138,723

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
23.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boise, ID and Orange, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 206 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $893/month cheaper in Boise, saving renters about $10,716/year.

Median household income is $35,637/year higher in Orange. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boise is $456,000 compared to $900,700 in Orange.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Boise vs Orange — common questions

Is Boise or Orange cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Boise is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 206 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boise and Orange?
Median rent in Boise is $1,359/month and in Orange it's $2,252/month — a difference of $893/month.
Which city has higher income, Boise or Orange?
Median household income is $81,308 in Boise and $116,945 in Orange. Median household income is $35,637/year higher in Orange.
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 Orange?
It depends on your priorities. Boise has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,359/mo, while Orange has a cost index of 206 with rent of $2,252/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Boise details → View Orange details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Boise and Orange

Boise vs. Scottsdale Boise vs. Arlington Boise vs. Garland Boise vs. Norfolk Boise vs. Glendale Boise vs. Enterprise Orange vs. Metairie Orange vs. Warren Orange vs. Fullerton Orange vs. Columbia Orange vs. Waco Orange vs. West Valley City