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

Boise

Idaho
112
VS

Santa Clara

California
307

Boise is 64% cheaper than Santa Clara.

$1,359/mo ↓ 54%
Median Rent
$2,985/mo ↑ 120%
$81,308/yr ↓ 53%
Median Income
$173,670/yr ↑ 114%
$456,000 ↓ 70%
Home Value
$1,527,900 ↑ 235%
$1,337/mo ↓ 56%
Owner Costs
$3,051/mo ↑ 128%
235,701
Population
129,239

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
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boise, ID and Santa Clara, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 307 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,626/month cheaper in Boise, saving renters about $19,512/year.

Median household income is $92,362/year higher in Santa Clara. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boise is $456,000 compared to $1,527,900 in Santa Clara.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Boise vs Santa Clara — common questions

Is Boise or Santa Clara cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Boise is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 307 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boise and Santa Clara?
Median rent in Boise is $1,359/month and in Santa Clara it's $2,985/month — a difference of $1,626/month.
Which city has higher income, Boise or Santa Clara?
Median household income is $81,308 in Boise and $173,670 in Santa Clara. Median household income is $92,362/year higher in Santa Clara.
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 Santa Clara?
It depends on your priorities. Boise has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,359/mo, while Santa Clara has a cost index of 307 with rent of $2,985/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Boise details → View Santa Clara details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Boise and Santa Clara

Boise vs. Scottsdale Boise vs. Arlington Boise vs. Garland Boise vs. Norfolk Boise vs. Glendale Boise vs. Enterprise Santa Clara vs. Carrollton Santa Clara vs. Fargo Santa Clara vs. New Haven Santa Clara vs. Norman Santa Clara vs. Sterling Heights Santa Clara vs. Lewisville