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

Fresno

California
101
VS

Boise

Idaho
112

Fresno is 10% cheaper than Boise.

$1,324/mo ↓ 3%
Median Rent
$1,359/mo ↑ 3%
$66,804/yr ↓ 18%
Median Income
$81,308/yr ↑ 22%
$348,500 ↓ 24%
Home Value
$456,000 ↑ 31%
$1,391/mo ↑ 4%
Owner Costs
$1,337/mo ↓ 4%
543,615
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

23.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fresno, CA and Boise, ID, the overall cost of living indices are 101 and 112 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $14,504/year higher in Boise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fresno is $348,500 compared to $456,000 in Boise.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fresno vs Boise — common questions

Is Fresno or Boise cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fresno is cheaper to live in with an index of 101 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fresno and Boise?
Median rent in Fresno is $1,324/month and in Boise it's $1,359/month — a difference of $35/month.
Which city has higher income, Fresno or Boise?
Median household income is $66,804 in Fresno and $81,308 in Boise. Median household income is $14,504/year higher in Boise.
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 Fresno or Boise?
It depends on your priorities. Fresno has a cost index of 101 with median rent of $1,324/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 Fresno details → View Boise details →

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