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

Chula Vista

California
178
VS

Boise

Idaho
112

Chula Vista is 59% more expensive than Boise.

$2,122/mo ↑ 56%
Median Rent
$1,359/mo ↓ 36%
$105,173/yr ↑ 29%
Median Income
$81,308/yr ↓ 23%
$697,400 ↑ 53%
Home Value
$456,000 ↓ 35%
$2,342/mo ↑ 75%
Owner Costs
$1,337/mo ↓ 43%
275,030
Population
235,701

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
5.8%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.63%

Affordability

24.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chula Vista, CA and Boise, ID, the overall cost of living indices are 178 and 112 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $763/month cheaper in Boise, saving renters about $9,156/year.

Median household income is $23,865/year higher in Chula Vista. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chula Vista is $697,400 compared to $456,000 in Boise.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Chula Vista vs Boise — common questions

Is Chula Vista or Boise cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Boise is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 178 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chula Vista and Boise?
Median rent in Chula Vista is $2,122/month and in Boise it's $1,359/month — a difference of $763/month.
Which city has higher income, Chula Vista or Boise?
Median household income is $105,173 in Chula Vista and $81,308 in Boise. Median household income is $23,865/year higher in Chula Vista.
How do taxes compare between California and Idaho?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax.
Should I move to Chula Vista or Boise?
It depends on your priorities. Chula Vista has a cost index of 178 with median rent of $2,122/mo, while Boise has a cost index of 112 with rent of $1,359/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chula Vista details → View Boise details →

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