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

Boise

Idaho
112
VS

Ventura

California
183

Boise is 39% cheaper than Ventura.

$1,359/mo ↓ 35%
Median Rent
$2,101/mo ↑ 55%
$81,308/yr ↓ 19%
Median Income
$100,407/yr ↑ 23%
$456,000 ↓ 41%
Home Value
$778,700 ↑ 71%
$1,337/mo ↓ 37%
Owner Costs
$2,118/mo ↑ 58%
235,701
Population
109,900

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
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boise, ID and Ventura, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 183 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $742/month cheaper in Boise, saving renters about $8,904/year.

Median household income is $19,099/year higher in Ventura. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boise is $456,000 compared to $778,700 in Ventura.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Boise vs Ventura — common questions

Is Boise or Ventura cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Boise is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 183 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boise and Ventura?
Median rent in Boise is $1,359/month and in Ventura it's $2,101/month — a difference of $742/month.
Which city has higher income, Boise or Ventura?
Median household income is $81,308 in Boise and $100,407 in Ventura. Median household income is $19,099/year higher in Ventura.
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 Ventura?
It depends on your priorities. Boise has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,359/mo, while Ventura has a cost index of 183 with rent of $2,101/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Boise details → View Ventura details →

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