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

Oakland

California
195
VS

Boise

Idaho
112

Oakland is 74% more expensive than Boise.

$1,917/mo ↑ 41%
Median Rent
$1,359/mo ↓ 29%
$97,369/yr ↑ 20%
Median Income
$81,308/yr ↓ 16%
$924,700 ↑ 103%
Home Value
$456,000 ↓ 51%
$2,164/mo ↑ 62%
Owner Costs
$1,337/mo ↓ 38%
438,072
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

23.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Oakland, CA and Boise, ID, the overall cost of living indices are 195 and 112 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $558/month cheaper in Boise, saving renters about $6,696/year.

Median household income is $16,061/year higher in Oakland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Oakland is $924,700 compared to $456,000 in Boise.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Oakland vs Boise — common questions

Is Oakland or Boise cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Boise is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 195 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Oakland and Boise?
Median rent in Oakland is $1,917/month and in Boise it's $1,359/month — a difference of $558/month.
Which city has higher income, Oakland or Boise?
Median household income is $97,369 in Oakland and $81,308 in Boise. Median household income is $16,061/year higher in Oakland.
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 Oakland or Boise?
It depends on your priorities. Oakland has a cost index of 195 with median rent of $1,917/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 Oakland details → View Boise details →

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