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

Long Beach

California
169
VS

Boise

Idaho
112

Long Beach is 51% more expensive than Boise.

$1,803/mo ↑ 33%
Median Rent
$1,359/mo ↓ 25%
$83,969/yr ↑ 3%
Median Income
$81,308/yr ↓ 3%
$762,200 ↑ 67%
Home Value
$456,000 ↓ 40%
$1,890/mo ↑ 41%
Owner Costs
$1,337/mo ↓ 29%
458,491
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

25.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Long Beach, CA and Boise, ID, the overall cost of living indices are 169 and 112 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $444/month cheaper in Boise, saving renters about $5,328/year.

Median household income is $2,661/year higher in Long Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Long Beach is $762,200 compared to $456,000 in Boise.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Long Beach vs Boise — common questions

Is Long Beach or Boise cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Boise is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Long Beach and Boise?
Median rent in Long Beach is $1,803/month and in Boise it's $1,359/month — a difference of $444/month.
Which city has higher income, Long Beach or Boise?
Median household income is $83,969 in Long Beach and $81,308 in Boise. Median household income is $2,661/year higher in Long Beach.
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 Long Beach or Boise?
It depends on your priorities. Long Beach has a cost index of 169 with median rent of $1,803/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 Long Beach details → View Boise details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Long Beach and Boise

Long Beach vs. Raleigh Long Beach vs. Virginia Beach Long Beach vs. Colorado Springs Long Beach vs. Miami Long Beach vs. Omaha Long Beach vs. Oakland Boise vs. Scottsdale Boise vs. Arlington Boise vs. Garland Boise vs. Norfolk Boise vs. Glendale Boise vs. Enterprise