Home › Compare › Los Angeles, CA vs Boise, ID

Cost of Living: Los Angeles, CA vs Boise, ID

A data-driven comparison of housing, groceries, transportation, taxes, job market and more. See which city gives you more for your money.

23.5% Boise, ID is cheaper overall
33.7% 33.7% cheaper housing
10.9% 10.9% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 33.7% cheaper
Los Angeles
178
Boise
118
🛒 Groceries 10.9% cheaper
Los Angeles
110
Boise
98
🚗 Transportation 21.6% cheaper
Los Angeles
125
Boise
98
🏥 Healthcare 14.3% cheaper
Los Angeles
112
Boise
96
⚡ Utilities 16.2% cheaper
Los Angeles
105
Boise
88

Detailed Breakdown

Category Los Angeles, CA Boise, ID Difference
Overall Cost Index13610423.5% less
Housing17811833.7% less
Median 1BR Rent$2,500$1,30048.0% less
Median Home Price$880,000$430,00051.1% less
Groceries1109810.9% less
Transportation1259821.6% less
Healthcare1129614.3% less
Utilities1058816.2% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Los Angeles, CA Boise, ID
State Income Tax13.30% (top)5.80%
State Sales Tax7.25%6.00%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.71%0.58%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Los Angeles, CA
$95,000
Median household income
Boise, ID
$72,000
Median household income
⚠️ Heads up: Boise costs more but median income is lower. You may need to earn more to maintain the same standard of living.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

Find out what you'd need to earn in Boise to maintain your Los Angeles lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Los Angeles (136) vs Boise (104). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Los Angeles5.4%
Boise3.0%
Job Growth (YoY)
Los Angeles2.5%
Boise3.8%
Top Industries
Los AngelesEntertainment, Tech, Healthcare
BoiseTech, Agriculture, Manufacturing

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Los Angeles33 min
Boise21 min
Walk Score
Los Angeles67
Boise39
Air Quality (AQI)
Los Angeles62
Boise44
Avg Temperature
Los Angeles66°F
Boise52°F
Population
Los Angeles3,898,747
Boise235,684

Moving from Los Angeles to Boise?

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Planning Your Move?

Here are some helpful resources if you're considering relocating.

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Los Angeles and Boise → 🚚 Get Moving QuotesCompare prices from top movers → 📈 Check Home ValuesSee real estate trends in both cities → 💼 Search JobsFind open positions in Boise →

Compare Other Cities

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Los Angeles or Boise cheaper to live in?+
Boise is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 33.7%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Los Angeles vs Boise?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $2,500/month in Los Angeles and $1,300/month in Boise — a difference of about $1,200 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Los Angeles or Boise?+
California has a state income tax of 13.30% (top) and sales tax of 7.25%. Idaho has a state income tax of 5.80% and sales tax of 6.00%. Consider all tax types together when evaluating total tax burden, as states with no income tax often compensate with higher sales or property taxes.
Can I afford to move from Los Angeles to Boise?+
Median household income in Los Angeles is $95,000 compared to $72,000 in Boise. Use the salary calculator above to see what you'd need to earn to maintain your current standard of living.
What about buying a home in Los Angeles vs Boise?+
The median home price in Los Angeles is $880,000 versus $430,000 in Boise — a difference of $450,000. Property tax rates also differ: California averages 0.71% while Idaho averages 0.58%.