Is Modesto, CA cheaper than Boise City, ID?

Based on cost of living data, Modesto, CA is 2.8% more expensive than Boise City, ID. This translates to spending an extra $212 per month.

What salary do I need in Modesto, CA to live like I do in Boise City, ID?

If you earn $150,000 in Boise City, ID, you'd need approximately $152,547.17 in Modesto, CA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Boise City, ID and Modesto, CA?

Housing in Modesto, CA is 3.5% more expensive than in Boise City, ID. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,800/month in Modesto, CA compared to $1,400/month in Boise City, ID.

How much can I save per month by moving from Boise City, ID to Modesto, CA?

Living in Modesto, CA costs approximately $212 more per month than Boise City, ID, or $2547 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Boise City, ID vs Modesto, CA: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in Boise City, ID

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $212/month more in Modesto, CA

$150.0K in your current city equals $152.5K in Modesto, CA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Boise City, ID area

Overall Cost

↑ 2.8%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$212

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$2.5K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Boise City, ID

Population:235K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$504K

Modesto, CA

Population:218K

Cost Index:

103

(3% above avg)

Median Home:$424K

Boise City, ID

The Gem State

235K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Idaho, this city has a population of 235K residents.

Modesto, CA

The Golden State

218K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 218K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Boise City, ID vs Modesto, CA

Category	Boise City, ID	Modesto, CA	Difference	Change
Transportation	$1,325/mo	$1,475/mo	↑ $150more	11.3%
Healthcare	$644/mo	$502/mo	↓ $143less	22.1%
Groceries	$979/mo	$1,089/mo	↑ $110more	11.2%
Housing	$2,989/mo	$3,092/mo	↑ $104more	3.5%
Other	$1,774/mo	$1,724/mo	↓ $50.22less	2.8%
All Utilities	$486/mo	$530/mo	↑ $43.71more	9.0%

Transportation

↑ 11.3%

Boise City, ID

$1,325

Modesto, CA

$1,475

Difference

$150

Healthcare

↓ 22.1%

Boise City, ID

$644

Modesto, CA

$502

Difference

$143

less

Groceries

↑ 11.2%

Boise City, ID

$979

Modesto, CA

$1,089

Difference

$110

Housing

↑ 3.5%

Boise City, ID

$2,989

Modesto, CA

$3,092

Difference

$104

Other

↓ 2.8%

Boise City, ID

$1,774

Modesto, CA

$1,724

Difference

$50.22

less

All Utilities

↑ 9.0%

Boise City, ID

$486

Modesto, CA

$530

Difference

$43.71

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$950

To$1,290

↑ $340

1 Bed

From$1,100

To$1,390

↑ $290

2 Bed

From$1,400

To$1,800

↑ $400

3 Bed

From$1,950

To$2,500

↑ $550

Modesto, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,250–$1,780/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$8,198

Monthly in Boise City, ID

$8,413

Monthly in Modesto, CA

$215

Difference

Home Values

Boise City

Modesto

Median Value

$424K

YoY Change

↓ -1.2%

5-Year Change

↑ +26.4%

Price Range

$371K - $513K

Calculate payment - Modesto

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $5.6K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$468

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

3.7%

Rate difference

Boise City, ID

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Idaho State Tax

Effective: 10.8%

$16.2K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 35.5%

$53.3K

Take-Home Pay

$8,062/month

$96.7K

Modesto, CA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

California State Tax

Effective: 7.1%

$10.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 31.8%

$47.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,530/month

$102.4K

Additional Tax Information

Boise City, ID Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.3%

Property Tax:0.7%

Modesto, CA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:10.5%

Property Tax:0.8%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.