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

Sacramento

California
132
VS

Boise

Idaho
112

Sacramento is 18% more expensive than Boise.

$1,694/mo ↑ 25%
Median Rent
$1,359/mo ↓ 20%
$83,753/yr ↑ 3%
Median Income
$81,308/yr ↓ 3%
$484,600 ↑ 6%
Home Value
$456,000 ↓ 6%
$1,752/mo ↑ 31%
Owner Costs
$1,337/mo ↓ 24%
524,802
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

24.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sacramento, CA and Boise, ID, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 112 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $335/month cheaper in Boise, saving renters about $4,020/year.

Median household income is $2,445/year higher in Sacramento. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sacramento is $484,600 compared to $456,000 in Boise.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Sacramento vs Boise — common questions

Is Sacramento or Boise cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Boise is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 132 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sacramento and Boise?
Median rent in Sacramento is $1,694/month and in Boise it's $1,359/month — a difference of $335/month.
Which city has higher income, Sacramento or Boise?
Median household income is $83,753 in Sacramento and $81,308 in Boise. Median household income is $2,445/year higher in Sacramento.
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 Sacramento or Boise?
It depends on your priorities. Sacramento has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,694/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 Sacramento details → View Boise details →

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