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

Irvine

California
256
VS

Boise

Idaho
112

Irvine is 129% more expensive than Boise.

$2,893/mo ↑ 113%
Median Rent
$1,359/mo ↓ 53%
$129,647/yr ↑ 59%
Median Income
$81,308/yr ↓ 37%
$1,115,400 ↑ 145%
Home Value
$456,000 ↓ 59%
$2,904/mo ↑ 117%
Owner Costs
$1,337/mo ↓ 54%
308,160
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

26.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Irvine, CA and Boise, ID, the overall cost of living indices are 256 and 112 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,534/month cheaper in Boise, saving renters about $18,408/year.

Median household income is $48,339/year higher in Irvine. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Irvine is $1,115,400 compared to $456,000 in Boise.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Irvine vs Boise — common questions

Is Irvine or Boise cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Boise is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 256 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Irvine and Boise?
Median rent in Irvine is $2,893/month and in Boise it's $1,359/month — a difference of $1,534/month.
Which city has higher income, Irvine or Boise?
Median household income is $129,647 in Irvine and $81,308 in Boise. Median household income is $48,339/year higher in Irvine.
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 Irvine or Boise?
It depends on your priorities. Irvine has a cost index of 256 with median rent of $2,893/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 Irvine details → View Boise details →

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