Home › Compare › Sacramento, CA vs Boise, ID

Cost of Living: Sacramento, 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.

11.9% Boise, ID is cheaper overall
16.9% 16.9% cheaper housing
5.8% 5.8% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 16.9% cheaper
Sacramento
142
Boise
118
🛒 Groceries 5.8% cheaper
Sacramento
104
Boise
98
🚗 Transportation 12.5% cheaper
Sacramento
112
Boise
98
🏥 Healthcare 11.1% cheaper
Sacramento
108
Boise
96
⚡ Utilities 12.0% cheaper
Sacramento
100
Boise
88

Detailed Breakdown

Category Sacramento, CA Boise, ID Difference
Overall Cost Index11810411.9% less
Housing14211816.9% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,650$1,30021.2% less
Median Home Price$450,000$430,0004.4% less
Groceries104985.8% less
Transportation1129812.5% less
Healthcare1089611.1% less
Utilities1008812.0% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Sacramento, 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

Sacramento, CA
$78,000
Median household income
Boise, ID
$72,000
Median household income
✅ Good news: Income in Boise outpaces the cost difference, so your purchasing power should hold up.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

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

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Based on overall cost index: Sacramento (118) vs Boise (104). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Sacramento4.2%
Boise3.0%
Job Growth (YoY)
Sacramento2.7%
Boise3.8%
Top Industries
SacramentoGovernment, Healthcare, Agriculture
BoiseTech, Agriculture, Manufacturing

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Sacramento27 min
Boise21 min
Walk Score
Sacramento44
Boise39
Air Quality (AQI)
Sacramento50
Boise44
Avg Temperature
Sacramento61°F
Boise52°F
Population
Sacramento524,943
Boise235,684

Moving from Sacramento to Boise?

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Sacramento 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

Sacramento vs Austin → Sacramento vs Denver → Sacramento vs Nashville → Boise vs Raleigh → Boise vs Portland → Boise vs Phoenix →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Sacramento 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 16.9%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Sacramento vs Boise?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,650/month in Sacramento and $1,300/month in Boise — a difference of about $350 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Sacramento 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 Sacramento to Boise?+
Median household income in Sacramento is $78,000 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 Sacramento vs Boise?+
The median home price in Sacramento is $450,000 versus $430,000 in Boise — a difference of $20,000. Property tax rates also differ: California averages 0.71% while Idaho averages 0.58%.