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

San Francisco

California
267
VS

Boise

Idaho
112

San Francisco is 138% more expensive than Boise.

$2,419/mo ↑ 78%
Median Rent
$1,359/mo ↓ 44%
$141,446/yr ↑ 74%
Median Income
$81,308/yr ↓ 43%
$1,380,500 ↑ 203%
Home Value
$456,000 ↓ 67%
$2,620/mo ↑ 96%
Owner Costs
$1,337/mo ↓ 49%
836,321
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

20.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Francisco, CA and Boise, ID, the overall cost of living indices are 267 and 112 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,060/month cheaper in Boise, saving renters about $12,720/year.

Median household income is $60,138/year higher in San Francisco. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Francisco is $1,380,500 compared to $456,000 in Boise.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Francisco vs Boise — common questions

Is San Francisco or Boise cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Boise is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 267 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Francisco and Boise?
Median rent in San Francisco is $2,419/month and in Boise it's $1,359/month — a difference of $1,060/month.
Which city has higher income, San Francisco or Boise?
Median household income is $141,446 in San Francisco and $81,308 in Boise. Median household income is $60,138/year higher in San Francisco.
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 Francisco or Boise?
It depends on your priorities. San Francisco has a cost index of 267 with median rent of $2,419/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 Francisco details → View Boise details →

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