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

Boise

Idaho
112
VS

Thousand Oaks

California
226

Boise is 50% cheaper than Thousand Oaks.

$1,359/mo ↓ 47%
Median Rent
$2,580/mo ↑ 90%
$81,308/yr ↓ 39%
Median Income
$134,367/yr ↑ 65%
$456,000 ↓ 52%
Home Value
$951,200 ↑ 109%
$1,337/mo ↓ 51%
Owner Costs
$2,726/mo ↑ 104%
235,701
Population
125,676

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
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boise, ID and Thousand Oaks, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 226 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,221/month cheaper in Boise, saving renters about $14,652/year.

Median household income is $53,059/year higher in Thousand Oaks. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boise is $456,000 compared to $951,200 in Thousand Oaks.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Boise vs Thousand Oaks — common questions

Is Boise or Thousand Oaks cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Boise is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 226 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boise and Thousand Oaks?
Median rent in Boise is $1,359/month and in Thousand Oaks it's $2,580/month — a difference of $1,221/month.
Which city has higher income, Boise or Thousand Oaks?
Median household income is $81,308 in Boise and $134,367 in Thousand Oaks. Median household income is $53,059/year higher in Thousand Oaks.
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 Thousand Oaks?
It depends on your priorities. Boise has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,359/mo, while Thousand Oaks has a cost index of 226 with rent of $2,580/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Boise details → View Thousand Oaks details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Boise and Thousand Oaks

Boise vs. Scottsdale Boise vs. Arlington Boise vs. Garland Boise vs. Norfolk Boise vs. Glendale Boise vs. Enterprise Thousand Oaks vs. Simi Valley Thousand Oaks vs. Allentown Thousand Oaks vs. Pearland Thousand Oaks vs. Palm Bay Thousand Oaks vs. Topeka Thousand Oaks vs. Meridian