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

Boise

Idaho
112
VS

Salinas

California
156

Boise is 28% cheaper than Salinas.

$1,359/mo ↓ 29%
Median Rent
$1,923/mo ↑ 42%
$81,308/yr ↓ 9%
Median Income
$89,150/yr ↑ 10%
$456,000 ↓ 25%
Home Value
$610,900 ↑ 34%
$1,337/mo ↓ 30%
Owner Costs
$1,912/mo ↑ 43%
235,701
Population
161,993

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
25.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boise, ID and Salinas, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 156 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $564/month cheaper in Boise, saving renters about $6,768/year.

Median household income is $7,842/year higher in Salinas. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boise is $456,000 compared to $610,900 in Salinas.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Boise vs Salinas — common questions

Is Boise or Salinas cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Boise is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 156 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boise and Salinas?
Median rent in Boise is $1,359/month and in Salinas it's $1,923/month — a difference of $564/month.
Which city has higher income, Boise or Salinas?
Median household income is $81,308 in Boise and $89,150 in Salinas. Median household income is $7,842/year higher in Salinas.
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 Salinas?
It depends on your priorities. Boise has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,359/mo, while Salinas has a cost index of 156 with rent of $1,923/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Boise details → View Salinas details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Boise and Salinas

Boise vs. Scottsdale Boise vs. Arlington Boise vs. Garland Boise vs. Norfolk Boise vs. Glendale Boise vs. Enterprise Salinas vs. Palmdale Salinas vs. Hayward Salinas vs. Springfield Salinas vs. Corona Salinas vs. Fort Collins Salinas vs. Paterson