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

San Jose

California
254
VS

Boise

Idaho
112

San Jose is 127% more expensive than Boise.

$2,617/mo ↑ 93%
Median Rent
$1,359/mo ↓ 48%
$141,565/yr ↑ 74%
Median Income
$81,308/yr ↓ 43%
$1,187,800 ↑ 160%
Home Value
$456,000 ↓ 62%
$2,775/mo ↑ 108%
Owner Costs
$1,337/mo ↓ 52%
990,054
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

22.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Jose, CA and Boise, ID, the overall cost of living indices are 254 and 112 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,258/month cheaper in Boise, saving renters about $15,096/year.

Median household income is $60,257/year higher in San Jose. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Jose is $1,187,800 compared to $456,000 in Boise.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Jose vs Boise — common questions

Is San Jose or Boise cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Boise is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 254 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Jose and Boise?
Median rent in San Jose is $2,617/month and in Boise it's $1,359/month — a difference of $1,258/month.
Which city has higher income, San Jose or Boise?
Median household income is $141,565 in San Jose and $81,308 in Boise. Median household income is $60,257/year higher in San Jose.
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 Jose or Boise?
It depends on your priorities. San Jose has a cost index of 254 with median rent of $2,617/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 Jose details → View Boise details →

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