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

Boise

Idaho
112
VS

Sunnyvale

California
341

Boise is 67% cheaper than Sunnyvale.

$1,359/mo ↓ 56%
Median Rent
$3,065/mo ↑ 126%
$81,308/yr ↓ 55%
Median Income
$181,862/yr ↑ 124%
$456,000 ↓ 75%
Home Value
$1,816,600 ↑ 298%
$1,337/mo ↓ 56%
Owner Costs
$3,016/mo ↑ 126%
235,701
Population
153,455

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
20.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boise, ID and Sunnyvale, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 341 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,706/month cheaper in Boise, saving renters about $20,472/year.

Median household income is $100,554/year higher in Sunnyvale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boise is $456,000 compared to $1,816,600 in Sunnyvale.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Boise vs Sunnyvale — common questions

Is Boise or Sunnyvale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Boise is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 341 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boise and Sunnyvale?
Median rent in Boise is $1,359/month and in Sunnyvale it's $3,065/month — a difference of $1,706/month.
Which city has higher income, Boise or Sunnyvale?
Median household income is $81,308 in Boise and $181,862 in Sunnyvale. Median household income is $100,554/year higher in Sunnyvale.
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 Sunnyvale?
It depends on your priorities. Boise has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,359/mo, while Sunnyvale has a cost index of 341 with rent of $3,065/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Boise details → View Sunnyvale details →

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