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

Boise

Idaho
112
VS

Santa Clarita

California
197

Boise is 85% cheaper than Santa Clarita.

$1,359/mo ↓ 45%
Median Rent
$2,486/mo ↑ 83%
$81,308/yr ↓ 32%
Median Income
$119,926/yr ↑ 47%
$456,000 ↓ 37%
Home Value
$721,000 ↑ 58%
$1,337/mo ↓ 50%
Owner Costs
$2,649/mo ↑ 98%
235,701
Population
229,021

Tax Comparison

5.8%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.0%
Sales Tax
7.25%
0.63%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

20.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boise, ID and Santa Clarita, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 197 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,127/month cheaper in Boise, saving renters about $13,524/year.

Median household income is $38,618/year higher in Santa Clarita. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boise is $456,000 compared to $721,000 in Santa Clarita.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Boise vs Santa Clarita — common questions

Is Boise or Santa Clarita cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Boise is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 197 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boise and Santa Clarita?
Median rent in Boise is $1,359/month and in Santa Clarita it's $2,486/month — a difference of $1,127/month.
Which city has higher income, Boise or Santa Clarita?
Median household income is $81,308 in Boise and $119,926 in Santa Clarita. Median household income is $38,618/year higher in Santa Clarita.
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 Clarita?
It depends on your priorities. Boise has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,359/mo, while Santa Clarita has a cost index of 197 with rent of $2,486/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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