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

Boise

Idaho
112
VS

San Bernardino

California
109

Boise is 3% more expensive than San Bernardino.

$1,359/mo ↓ 5%
Median Rent
$1,433/mo ↑ 5%
$81,308/yr ↑ 27%
Median Income
$63,988/yr ↓ 21%
$456,000 ↑ 18%
Home Value
$384,900 ↓ 16%
$1,337/mo ↓ 10%
Owner Costs
$1,478/mo ↑ 11%
235,701
Population
221,774

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
26.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boise, ID and San Bernardino, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 109 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $74/month cheaper in Boise, saving renters about $888/year.

Median household income is $17,320/year higher in Boise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boise is $456,000 compared to $384,900 in San Bernardino.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Boise vs San Bernardino — common questions

Is Boise or San Bernardino cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, San Bernardino is cheaper to live in with an index of 109 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boise and San Bernardino?
Median rent in Boise is $1,359/month and in San Bernardino it's $1,433/month — a difference of $74/month.
Which city has higher income, Boise or San Bernardino?
Median household income is $81,308 in Boise and $63,988 in San Bernardino. Median household income is $17,320/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 San Bernardino?
It depends on your priorities. Boise has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,359/mo, while San Bernardino has a cost index of 109 with rent of $1,433/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Boise details → View San Bernardino details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Boise and San Bernardino

Boise vs. Scottsdale Boise vs. Arlington Boise vs. Garland Boise vs. Norfolk Boise vs. Glendale Boise vs. Enterprise San Bernardino vs. Hialeah San Bernardino vs. Tacoma San Bernardino vs. Baton Rouge San Bernardino vs. Port St. Lucie San Bernardino vs. Richmond San Bernardino vs. Spring Valley