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

Boise

Idaho
112
VS

Torrance

California
218

Boise is 49% cheaper than Torrance.

$1,359/mo ↓ 39%
Median Rent
$2,214/mo ↑ 63%
$81,308/yr ↓ 28%
Median Income
$113,105/yr ↑ 39%
$456,000 ↓ 56%
Home Value
$1,036,600 ↑ 127%
$1,337/mo ↓ 42%
Owner Costs
$2,295/mo ↑ 72%
235,701
Population
143,499

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
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boise, ID and Torrance, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 218 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $855/month cheaper in Boise, saving renters about $10,260/year.

Median household income is $31,797/year higher in Torrance. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boise is $456,000 compared to $1,036,600 in Torrance.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Boise vs Torrance — common questions

Is Boise or Torrance cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Boise is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 218 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boise and Torrance?
Median rent in Boise is $1,359/month and in Torrance it's $2,214/month — a difference of $855/month.
Which city has higher income, Boise or Torrance?
Median household income is $81,308 in Boise and $113,105 in Torrance. Median household income is $31,797/year higher in Torrance.
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 Torrance?
It depends on your priorities. Boise has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,359/mo, while Torrance has a cost index of 218 with rent of $2,214/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Boise details → View Torrance details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Boise and Torrance

Boise vs. Scottsdale Boise vs. Arlington Boise vs. Garland Boise vs. Norfolk Boise vs. Glendale Boise vs. Enterprise Torrance vs. Gainesville Torrance vs. Thornton Torrance vs. Olathe Torrance vs. Visalia Torrance vs. McAllen Torrance vs. Waco