Home › Compare › San Diego, CA vs Boise, ID

Cost of Living: San Diego, 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.

21.2% Boise, ID is cheaper overall
29.8% 29.8% cheaper housing
9.3% 9.3% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 29.8% cheaper
San Diego
168
Boise
118
🛒 Groceries 9.3% cheaper
San Diego
108
Boise
98
🚗 Transportation 16.9% cheaper
San Diego
118
Boise
98
🏥 Healthcare 14.3% cheaper
San Diego
112
Boise
96
⚡ Utilities 15.4% cheaper
San Diego
104
Boise
88

Detailed Breakdown

Category San Diego, CA Boise, ID Difference
Overall Cost Index13210421.2% less
Housing16811829.8% less
Median 1BR Rent$2,300$1,30043.5% less
Median Home Price$820,000$430,00047.6% less
Groceries108989.3% less
Transportation1189816.9% less
Healthcare1129614.3% less
Utilities1048815.4% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type San Diego, 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

San Diego, CA
$89,000
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 San Diego lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: San Diego (132) vs Boise (104). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
San Diego4.0%
Boise3.0%
Job Growth (YoY)
San Diego2.9%
Boise3.8%
Top Industries
San DiegoDefense, Biotech, Tourism
BoiseTech, Agriculture, Manufacturing

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
San Diego25 min
Boise21 min
Walk Score
San Diego51
Boise39
Air Quality (AQI)
San Diego45
Boise44
Avg Temperature
San Diego64°F
Boise52°F
Population
San Diego1,381,611
Boise235,684

Moving from San Diego to Boise?

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in San Diego 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 San Diego 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 29.8%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in San Diego vs Boise?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $2,300/month in San Diego and $1,300/month in Boise — a difference of about $1,000 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, San Diego 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 San Diego to Boise?+
Median household income in San Diego is $89,000 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 San Diego vs Boise?+
The median home price in San Diego is $820,000 versus $430,000 in Boise — a difference of $390,000. Property tax rates also differ: California averages 0.71% while Idaho averages 0.58%.