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

Los Angeles

California
187
VS

Boise

Idaho
112

Los Angeles is 67% more expensive than Boise.

$1,879/mo ↑ 38%
Median Rent
$1,359/mo ↓ 28%
$80,366/yr ↓ 1%
Median Income
$81,308/yr ↑ 1%
$879,500 ↑ 93%
Home Value
$456,000 ↓ 48%
$2,055/mo ↑ 54%
Owner Costs
$1,337/mo ↓ 35%
3,857,897
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

28.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Los Angeles, CA and Boise, ID, the overall cost of living indices are 187 and 112 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $520/month cheaper in Boise, saving renters about $6,240/year.

Median household income is $942/year higher in Boise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Los Angeles is $879,500 compared to $456,000 in Boise.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Los Angeles vs Boise — common questions

Is Los Angeles or Boise cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Boise is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 187 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Los Angeles and Boise?
Median rent in Los Angeles is $1,879/month and in Boise it's $1,359/month — a difference of $520/month.
Which city has higher income, Los Angeles or Boise?
Median household income is $80,366 in Los Angeles and $81,308 in Boise. Median household income is $942/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 Los Angeles or Boise?
It depends on your priorities. Los Angeles has a cost index of 187 with median rent of $1,879/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 Los Angeles details → View Boise details →

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