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

Boise

Idaho
112
VS

Richmond

California
161

Boise is 30% cheaper than Richmond.

$1,359/mo ↓ 28%
Median Rent
$1,895/mo ↑ 39%
$81,308/yr ↓ 10%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↑ 11%
$456,000 ↓ 30%
Home Value
$650,100 ↑ 43%
$1,337/mo ↓ 34%
Owner Costs
$2,015/mo ↑ 51%
235,701
Population
115,396

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
25.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boise, ID and Richmond, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 161 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $536/month cheaper in Boise, saving renters about $6,432/year.

Median household income is $8,730/year higher in Richmond. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boise is $456,000 compared to $650,100 in Richmond.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Boise vs Richmond — common questions

Is Boise or Richmond cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Boise is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 161 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boise and Richmond?
Median rent in Boise is $1,359/month and in Richmond it's $1,895/month — a difference of $536/month.
Which city has higher income, Boise or Richmond?
Median household income is $81,308 in Boise and $90,038 in Richmond. Median household income is $8,730/year higher in Richmond.
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 Richmond?
It depends on your priorities. Boise has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,359/mo, while Richmond has a cost index of 161 with rent of $1,895/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Boise details → View Richmond details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Boise and Richmond

Boise vs. Scottsdale Boise vs. Arlington Boise vs. Garland Boise vs. Norfolk Boise vs. Glendale Boise vs. Enterprise Richmond vs. Manchester Richmond vs. High Point Richmond vs. Westminster Richmond vs. League City Richmond vs. Antioch Richmond vs. Lowell