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

Cost of Living: San Francisco, 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.

29.7% Boise, ID is cheaper overall
43.8% 43.8% cheaper housing
14.8% 14.8% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 43.8% cheaper
San Francisco
210
Boise
118
🛒 Groceries 14.8% cheaper
San Francisco
115
Boise
98
🚗 Transportation 23.4% cheaper
San Francisco
128
Boise
98
🏥 Healthcare 18.6% cheaper
San Francisco
118
Boise
96
⚡ Utilities 18.5% cheaper
San Francisco
108
Boise
88

Detailed Breakdown

Category San Francisco, CA Boise, ID Difference
Overall Cost Index14810429.7% less
Housing21011843.8% less
Median 1BR Rent$3,000$1,30056.7% less
Median Home Price$1,250,000$430,00065.6% less
Groceries1159814.8% less
Transportation1289823.4% less
Healthcare1189618.6% less
Utilities1088818.5% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type San Francisco, 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 Francisco, CA
$130,000
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 San Francisco lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: San Francisco (148) vs Boise (104). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
San Francisco3.8%
Boise3.0%
Job Growth (YoY)
San Francisco3.2%
Boise3.8%
Top Industries
San FranciscoTech, Biotech, Finance
BoiseTech, Agriculture, Manufacturing

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
San Francisco34 min
Boise21 min
Walk Score
San Francisco87
Boise39
Air Quality (AQI)
San Francisco42
Boise44
Avg Temperature
San Francisco57°F
Boise52°F
Population
San Francisco808,437
Boise235,684

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in San Francisco 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 Francisco 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 43.8%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in San Francisco vs Boise?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $3,000/month in San Francisco and $1,300/month in Boise — a difference of about $1,700 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, San Francisco 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 Francisco to Boise?+
Median household income in San Francisco is $130,000 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 Francisco vs Boise?+
The median home price in San Francisco is $1,250,000 versus $430,000 in Boise — a difference of $820,000. Property tax rates also differ: California averages 0.71% while Idaho averages 0.58%.