Santa Ana, CA vs Boise, ID: 163 vs 112

$1,975/mo ↑ 45%

Median Rent

$1,359/mo ↓ 31%

$88,354/yr ↑ 9%

Median Income

$81,308/yr ↓ 8%

$657,800 ↑ 44%

Home Value

$456,000 ↓ 31%

$1,965/mo ↑ 47%

Owner Costs

$1,337/mo ↓ 32%

311,639

Population

235,701

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Ana, CA and Boise, ID, the overall cost of living indices are 163 and 112 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $616/month cheaper in Boise, saving renters about $7,392/year.

Median household income is $7,046/year higher in Santa Ana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Ana is $657,800 compared to $456,000 in Boise.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Ana vs Boise — common questions

Is Santa Ana or Boise cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Boise is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 163 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Santa Ana and Boise?

Median rent in Santa Ana is $1,975/month and in Boise it's $1,359/month — a difference of $616/month.

Which city has higher income, Santa Ana or Boise?

Median household income is $88,354 in Santa Ana and $81,308 in Boise. Median household income is $7,046/year higher in Santa Ana.

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 Santa Ana or Boise?

It depends on your priorities. Santa Ana has a cost index of 163 with median rent of $1,975/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.

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

Santa Ana

Boise

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

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