Is Elk Grove, CA cheaper than Boise, ID?

Based on cost of living data, Elk Grove, CA is 7.8% more expensive than Boise, ID. This translates to spending an extra $584 per month.

What salary do I need in Elk Grove, CA to live like I do in Boise, ID?

If you earn $150,000 in Boise, ID, you'd need approximately $157,012.045 in Elk Grove, CA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Boise, ID and Elk Grove, CA?

Housing in Elk Grove, CA is 7.8% more expensive than in Boise, ID. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,063/month in Elk Grove, CA compared to $1,660/month in Boise, ID.

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

Living in Elk Grove, CA costs approximately $584 more per month than Boise, ID, or $7012 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Boise, ID vs Elk Grove, 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, ID

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $584/month more in Elk Grove, CA

$150.0K in your current city equals $157.0K in Elk Grove, CA

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

Overall Cost

↑ 7.8%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$584

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$7.0K

Per year

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

Boise, ID

Population:236K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$504K

Elk Grove, CA

Population:178K

Cost Index:

108

(8% above avg)

Median Home:$596K

Boise, ID

The Gem State

236K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Idaho, this city has a population of 236K residents.

Elk Grove, CA

The Golden State

178K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 178K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Boise, ID vs Elk Grove, CA

Category	Boise, ID	Elk Grove, CA	Difference	Change
Housing	$2,989/mo	$3,221/mo	↑ $232more	7.8%
Groceries	$979/mo	$1,047/mo	↑ $67.46more	6.9%
Transportation	$1,325/mo	$1,387/mo	↑ $62.33more	4.7%
All Utilities	$486/mo	$524/mo	↑ $37.47more	7.7%
Healthcare	$644/mo	$612/mo	↓ $32.08less	5.0%
Other	$1,774/mo	$1,766/mo	↓ $8.88less	0.5%

Housing

↑ 7.8%

Boise, ID

$2,989

Elk Grove, CA

$3,221

Difference

$232

Groceries

↑ 6.9%

Boise, ID

$979

Elk Grove, CA

$1,047

Difference

$67.46

Transportation

↑ 4.7%

Boise, ID

$1,325

Elk Grove, CA

$1,387

Difference

$62.33

All Utilities

↑ 7.7%

Boise, ID

$486

Elk Grove, CA

$524

Difference

$37.47

Healthcare

↓ 5.0%

Boise, ID

$644

Elk Grove, CA

$612

Difference

$32.08

less

Other

↓ 0.5%

Boise, ID

$1,774

Elk Grove, CA

$1,766

Difference

$8.88

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,170

To$1,602

↑ $432

1 Bed

From$1,390

To$1,677

↑ $287

2 Bed

From$1,660

To$2,063

↑ $403

3 Bed

From$2,320

To$2,743

↑ $423

Boise, IDZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,390–$1,880/mo

Elk Grove, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,000–$2,040/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, ID

$8,556

Monthly in Elk Grove, CA

$358

Difference

Home Values

Boise

Elk Grove

$504K

Median Value

$596K

↑ +1.6%

YoY Change

↓ -3.6%

↑ +24.7%

5-Year Change

↑ +24.6%

$413K - $779K

Price Range

$566K - $627K

Homes in Elk Grove are 18% more expensive than Boise

Calculate payment - Boise Calculate payment - Elk Grove

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, 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

Elk Grove, 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, ID Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.3%

Property Tax:0.7%

Elk Grove, 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.