Median rent is 37% lower in Boise City ($1,446/mo vs $2,313/mo). Buying is cheaper in Boise City, where the median home runs $484,800 versus $906,700. Households earn more in San Diego ($108,077 vs $83,904 a year). Taken together, Boise City is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 89.4 against 110.7 — about 19% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in San Diego, CA.
Cost of living verdict
Boise City is 19% cheaper overall
Cost of Living Index: 89.4 in Boise City vs 110.7 in San Diego (US national average = 100)
City A
Boise City, ID
City B
San Diego, CA
How much would you need to earn in San Diego, CA to maintain your standard of living from Boise City, ID?
Equivalent salary in San Diego, CA
$92,951
You'd need $17,951 more (24% higher).
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
Boise City
Idaho
San Diego
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: 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 $2,313/mo in San Diego, a 37% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in San Diego: the median home is $906,700 versus $484,800 in Boise City — 47% 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.
Boise City
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
San Diego
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
Boise City has cleaner air on average: 36.0 AQI (Good) compared to 59.0 AQI (Moderate) in the other city. Lower AQI means cleaner, healthier air.
Pick Boise City if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 89.4 vs 110.7).
Pick San Diego if you prioritize higher median household income ($108,077/yr).
Pick Boise City if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,446/mo median).
Pick Boise City if you prioritize cleaner air quality (avg AQI 36.0).
Is Boise City cheaper than San Diego?
Boise City is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 89.4 versus 110.7 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 19% lower in Boise City.
How much is rent in Boise City vs San Diego?
Median rent is $1,446/mo in Boise City, ID and $2,313/mo in San Diego, CA. Boise City, ID has the lower rent by about 37%.
Which has higher salaries — Boise City or San Diego?
Median household income is $83,904 in Boise City, ID and $108,077 in San Diego, CA. San Diego, 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?
Boise City, ID has better air quality on average: 36.0 AQI versus 59.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Boise City or San Diego?
State tax data is not yet available for one or both cities.
What salary do I need in San Diego 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 $123,935 in San Diego, CA (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
