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

Boise

Idaho
112
VS

Pasadena

California
220

Boise is 49% cheaper than Pasadena.

$1,359/mo ↓ 39%
Median Rent
$2,218/mo ↑ 63%
$81,308/yr ↓ 22%
Median Income
$103,778/yr ↑ 28%
$456,000 ↓ 56%
Home Value
$1,045,000 ↑ 129%
$1,337/mo ↓ 43%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 75%
235,701
Population
136,462

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
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boise, ID and Pasadena, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 220 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $859/month cheaper in Boise, saving renters about $10,308/year.

Median household income is $22,470/year higher in Pasadena. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boise is $456,000 compared to $1,045,000 in Pasadena.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Boise vs Pasadena — common questions

Is Boise or Pasadena cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Boise is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 220 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boise and Pasadena?
Median rent in Boise is $1,359/month and in Pasadena it's $2,218/month — a difference of $859/month.
Which city has higher income, Boise or Pasadena?
Median household income is $81,308 in Boise and $103,778 in Pasadena. Median household income is $22,470/year higher in Pasadena.
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 Pasadena?
It depends on your priorities. Boise has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,359/mo, while Pasadena has a cost index of 220 with rent of $2,218/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Boise details → View Pasadena details →

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