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

Boise

Idaho
112
VS

Simi Valley

California
200

Boise is 44% cheaper than Simi Valley.

$1,359/mo ↓ 46%
Median Rent
$2,513/mo ↑ 85%
$81,308/yr ↓ 31%
Median Income
$117,703/yr ↑ 45%
$456,000 ↓ 39%
Home Value
$753,500 ↑ 65%
$1,337/mo ↓ 48%
Owner Costs
$2,576/mo ↑ 93%
235,701
Population
125,769

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
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boise, ID and Simi Valley, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 200 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,154/month cheaper in Boise, saving renters about $13,848/year.

Median household income is $36,395/year higher in Simi Valley. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boise is $456,000 compared to $753,500 in Simi Valley.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Boise vs Simi Valley — common questions

Is Boise or Simi Valley cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Boise is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boise and Simi Valley?
Median rent in Boise is $1,359/month and in Simi Valley it's $2,513/month — a difference of $1,154/month.
Which city has higher income, Boise or Simi Valley?
Median household income is $81,308 in Boise and $117,703 in Simi Valley. Median household income is $36,395/year higher in Simi Valley.
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 Simi Valley?
It depends on your priorities. Boise has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,359/mo, while Simi Valley has a cost index of 200 with rent of $2,513/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Boise details → View Simi Valley details →

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