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

Riverside

California
144
VS

Boise

Idaho
112

Riverside is 29% more expensive than Boise.

$1,812/mo ↑ 33%
Median Rent
$1,359/mo ↓ 25%
$88,575/yr ↑ 9%
Median Income
$81,308/yr ↓ 8%
$542,100 ↑ 19%
Home Value
$456,000 ↓ 16%
$1,880/mo ↑ 41%
Owner Costs
$1,337/mo ↓ 29%
316,241
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

24.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Riverside, CA and Boise, ID, the overall cost of living indices are 144 and 112 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $453/month cheaper in Boise, saving renters about $5,436/year.

Median household income is $7,267/year higher in Riverside. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Riverside is $542,100 compared to $456,000 in Boise.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Riverside vs Boise — common questions

Is Riverside or Boise cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Boise is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 144 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Riverside and Boise?
Median rent in Riverside is $1,812/month and in Boise it's $1,359/month — a difference of $453/month.
Which city has higher income, Riverside or Boise?
Median household income is $88,575 in Riverside and $81,308 in Boise. Median household income is $7,267/year higher in Riverside.
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 Riverside or Boise?
It depends on your priorities. Riverside has a cost index of 144 with median rent of $1,812/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 Riverside details → View Boise details →

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