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

Stockton

California
115
VS

Boise

Idaho
112

Stockton is 3% more expensive than Boise.

$1,495/mo ↑ 10%
Median Rent
$1,359/mo ↓ 9%
$76,851/yr ↓ 5%
Median Income
$81,308/yr ↑ 6%
$412,900 ↓ 9%
Home Value
$456,000 ↑ 10%
$1,555/mo ↑ 16%
Owner Costs
$1,337/mo ↓ 14%
320,470
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

23.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Stockton, CA and Boise, ID, the overall cost of living indices are 115 and 112 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $136/month cheaper in Boise, saving renters about $1,632/year.

Median household income is $4,457/year higher in Boise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Stockton is $412,900 compared to $456,000 in Boise.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Stockton vs Boise — common questions

Is Stockton or Boise cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Boise is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 115 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Stockton and Boise?
Median rent in Stockton is $1,495/month and in Boise it's $1,359/month — a difference of $136/month.
Which city has higher income, Stockton or Boise?
Median household income is $76,851 in Stockton and $81,308 in Boise. Median household income is $4,457/year higher in Boise.
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 Stockton or Boise?
It depends on your priorities. Stockton has a cost index of 115 with median rent of $1,495/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 Stockton details → View Boise details →

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