Median rent is 28% lower in Boise City ($1,359/mo vs $1,879/mo). Buying is cheaper in Boise City, where the median home runs $456,000 versus $879,500. Households earn more in Boise City ($81,308 vs $80,366 a year). Taken together, Boise City is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 91.1 against 113.3 — about 20% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Boise City, ID.
Quick verdict
Boise City is 20% cheaper overall
Cost index: 91.1 in Boise City vs 113.3 in Los Angeles (US average = 100)
City A
Boise City, ID
City B
Los Angeles, CA
How much would you need to earn in Los Angeles, CA to maintain your standard of living from Boise City, ID?
Equivalent salary in Los Angeles, CA
$93,326
You'd need $18,326 more (24% higher).
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each city's metro area. A rough estimate of overall purchasing power, not tax or take-home pay.
Metric
Boise City
Idaho
Los Angeles
California
👥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: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Renters will find significantly cheaper housing in Boise City — median rent of $1,359/mo versus $1,879/mo in Los Angeles, a 28% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Los Angeles: the median home is $879,500 versus $456,000 in Boise City — 48% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Idaho's top income tax rate is 5.80% versus 13.30% in California, so Boise City is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 6.00% in Idaho and 7.25% in California; Boise City has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Boise City
Income tax: 5.80%
Sales tax: 6.00%
Los Angeles
Income tax: 13.30%
Sales tax: 7.25%
Boise City has cleaner air on average: 24.0 AQI (Good) compared to 77.0 AQI (Moderate) in the other city. Lower AQI means cleaner, healthier air.
Pick Boise City if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 91.1 vs 113.3).
Pick Boise City if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,359/mo median).
Pick Boise City if you prioritize cleaner air quality (avg AQI 24.0).
Pick Boise City if you prioritize lower state income tax (5.80%).
Is Boise City cheaper than Los Angeles?
Boise City is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 91.1 versus 113.3 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 20% lower in Boise City.
How much is rent in Boise City vs Los Angeles?
Median rent is $1,359/mo in Boise City, ID and $1,879/mo in Los Angeles, CA. Boise City, ID has the lower rent by about 28%.
Which has higher salaries — Boise City or Los Angeles?
Median household income is $81,308 in Boise City, ID and $80,366 in Los Angeles, CA. Boise City, ID 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?
Boise City, ID has better air quality on average: 24.0 AQI versus 77.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Boise City or Los Angeles?
Idaho's top income tax rate is 5.80% and California's is 13.30%. Boise City, ID has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Los Angeles to match my Boise City income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Boise City, ID is equivalent to roughly $124,435 in Los Angeles, CA (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology