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

Boise

Idaho
112
VS

Palmdale

California
130

Boise is 14% cheaper than Palmdale.

$1,359/mo ↓ 22%
Median Rent
$1,736/mo ↑ 28%
$81,308/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$81,151/yr ≈ Same
$456,000 ↑ 5%
Home Value
$435,300 ↓ 5%
$1,337/mo ↓ 27%
Owner Costs
$1,831/mo ↑ 37%
235,701
Population
165,487

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
25.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boise, ID and Palmdale, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 130 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $377/month cheaper in Boise, saving renters about $4,524/year.

Median household income is $157/year higher in Boise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boise is $456,000 compared to $435,300 in Palmdale.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Boise vs Palmdale — common questions

Is Boise or Palmdale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Boise is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 130 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boise and Palmdale?
Median rent in Boise is $1,359/month and in Palmdale it's $1,736/month — a difference of $377/month.
Which city has higher income, Boise or Palmdale?
Median household income is $81,308 in Boise and $81,151 in Palmdale. Median household income is $157/year higher in Boise.
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 Palmdale?
It depends on your priorities. Boise has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,359/mo, while Palmdale has a cost index of 130 with rent of $1,736/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Boise details → View Palmdale details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Boise and Palmdale

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