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

Boise

Idaho
112
VS

Pomona

California
143

Boise is 22% cheaper than Pomona.

$1,359/mo ↓ 22%
Median Rent
$1,738/mo ↑ 28%
$81,308/yr ↑ 3%
Median Income
$78,869/yr ↓ 3%
$456,000 ↓ 20%
Home Value
$569,600 ↑ 25%
$1,337/mo ↓ 24%
Owner Costs
$1,758/mo ↑ 31%
235,701
Population
148,391

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
26.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boise, ID and Pomona, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 143 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $379/month cheaper in Boise, saving renters about $4,548/year.

Median household income is $2,439/year higher in Boise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boise is $456,000 compared to $569,600 in Pomona.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Boise vs Pomona — common questions

Is Boise or Pomona cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Boise is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 143 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boise and Pomona?
Median rent in Boise is $1,359/month and in Pomona it's $1,738/month — a difference of $379/month.
Which city has higher income, Boise or Pomona?
Median household income is $81,308 in Boise and $78,869 in Pomona. Median household income is $2,439/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 Pomona?
It depends on your priorities. Boise has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,359/mo, while Pomona has a cost index of 143 with rent of $1,738/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Boise details → View Pomona details →

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