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

Boise

Idaho
112
VS

Visalia

California
104

Boise is 8% more expensive than Visalia.

$1,359/mo ↓ 3%
Median Rent
$1,397/mo ↑ 3%
$81,308/yr ↑ 2%
Median Income
$79,952/yr ↓ 2%
$456,000 ↑ 34%
Home Value
$340,600 ↓ 25%
$1,337/mo ↓ 11%
Owner Costs
$1,509/mo ↑ 13%
235,701
Population
142,649

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
21.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boise, ID and Visalia, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 104 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $1,356/year higher in Boise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boise is $456,000 compared to $340,600 in Visalia.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Boise vs Visalia — common questions

Is Boise or Visalia cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Visalia is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boise and Visalia?
Median rent in Boise is $1,359/month and in Visalia it's $1,397/month — a difference of $38/month.
Which city has higher income, Boise or Visalia?
Median household income is $81,308 in Boise and $79,952 in Visalia. Median household income is $1,356/year higher in Boise.
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 Visalia?
It depends on your priorities. Boise has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,359/mo, while Visalia has a cost index of 104 with rent of $1,397/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Boise details → View Visalia details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Boise and Visalia

Boise vs. Scottsdale Boise vs. Arlington Boise vs. Garland Boise vs. Norfolk Boise vs. Glendale Boise vs. Enterprise Visalia vs. Thornton Visalia vs. Waco Visalia vs. Torrance Visalia vs. Fullerton Visalia vs. Gainesville Visalia vs. Metairie