Median rent is 34% lower in Boise City ($1,446/mo vs $2,175/mo). Buying is cheaper in Boise City, where the median home runs $484,800 versus $831,200. Households earn more in Anaheim ($95,227 vs $83,904 a year). Taken together, Boise City is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 89.4 against 114.7 — about 22% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Boise City, ID.
Cost of living verdict
Boise City is 22% cheaper overall
Cost of Living Index: 89.4 in Boise City vs 114.7 in Anaheim (US national average = 100)
City A
Anaheim, CA
City B
Boise City, ID
How much would you need to earn in Boise City, ID to maintain your standard of living from Anaheim, CA?
Equivalent salary in Boise City, ID
$58,402
You could earn $16,598 less (22% lower) and break even.
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each metro area. This estimates overall purchasing power; it does not account for taxes or take-home pay differences.
Metric
Anaheim
California
Boise City
Idaho
Population
Median Household Income
Annual
Median Gross Rent
Per month
Median Home Value
Cost of Living Index
US avg = 100
1BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
2BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
3BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
Air Quality Index
Lower = cleaner
Top State Income Tax
Top marginal rate
State Sales Tax
Statewide base rate
Median Age
Years
✓ = better value · Sources: Census ACS, BEA, HUD Fair Market Rents, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Renters will find significantly cheaper housing in Boise City — median rent of $1,446/mo versus $2,175/mo in Anaheim, a 34% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Anaheim: the median home is $831,200 versus $484,800 in Boise City — 42% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
State tax data is not yet available for these cities.
Anaheim
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
Boise City
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
Both cities have similar air quality: Anaheim averages 35.0 AQI (Good) and Boise City averages 36.0 AQI (Good).
Pick Boise City if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 89.4 vs 114.7).
Pick Anaheim if you prioritize higher median household income ($95,227/yr).
Pick Boise City if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,446/mo median).
Is Anaheim cheaper than Boise City?
Boise City is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 89.4 versus 114.7 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 22% lower in Boise City.
How much is rent in Anaheim vs Boise City?
Median rent is $2,175/mo in Anaheim, CA and $1,446/mo in Boise City, ID. Boise City, ID has the lower rent by about 34%.
Which has higher salaries — Anaheim or Boise City?
Median household income is $95,227 in Anaheim, CA and $83,904 in Boise City, ID. Anaheim, CA has the higher median income. Note that BLS occupational wages in the table above show wages for specific jobs.
Which city has better air quality?
Anaheim, CA has better air quality on average: 35.0 AQI versus 36.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Anaheim or Boise City?
State tax data is not yet available for one or both cities.
What salary do I need in Boise City to match my Anaheim income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Anaheim, CA is equivalent to roughly $77,869 in Boise City, ID (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2026 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology
