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

San Diego

California
197
VS

Boise

Idaho
112

San Diego is 76% more expensive than Boise.

$2,223/mo ↑ 64%
Median Rent
$1,359/mo ↓ 39%
$104,321/yr ↑ 28%
Median Income
$81,308/yr ↓ 22%
$848,500 ↑ 86%
Home Value
$456,000 ↓ 46%
$2,308/mo ↑ 73%
Owner Costs
$1,337/mo ↓ 42%
1,385,061
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

25.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Diego, CA and Boise, ID, the overall cost of living indices are 197 and 112 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $864/month cheaper in Boise, saving renters about $10,368/year.

Median household income is $23,013/year higher in San Diego. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Diego is $848,500 compared to $456,000 in Boise.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Diego vs Boise — common questions

Is San Diego or Boise cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Boise is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 197 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Diego and Boise?
Median rent in San Diego is $2,223/month and in Boise it's $1,359/month — a difference of $864/month.
Which city has higher income, San Diego or Boise?
Median household income is $104,321 in San Diego and $81,308 in Boise. Median household income is $23,013/year higher in San Diego.
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 San Diego or Boise?
It depends on your priorities. San Diego has a cost index of 197 with median rent of $2,223/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 San Diego details → View Boise details →

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