Is Los Angeles, CA cheaper than Boise, ID?

Based on cost of living data, Los Angeles, CA is 63.5% more expensive than Boise, ID. This translates to spending an extra $4762 per month.

What salary do I need in Los Angeles, CA to live like I do in Boise, ID?

If you earn $150,000 in Boise, ID, you'd need approximately $207,141.509 in Los Angeles, CA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Boise, ID and Los Angeles, CA?

Housing in Los Angeles, CA is 159.3% more expensive than in Boise, ID. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,660/month in Los Angeles, CA compared to $1,660/month in Boise, ID.

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

Living in Los Angeles, CA costs approximately $4762 more per month than Boise, ID, or $57142 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Boise, ID vs Los Angeles, 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 $4.8K/month more in Los Angeles, CA

$150.0K in your current city equals $207.1K in Los Angeles, CA

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

Overall Cost

↑ 63.5%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$4,762

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$57.1K

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

Los Angeles, CA

Population:3899K

Cost Index:

163

(63% above avg)

Median Home:$885K

Boise, ID

The Gem State

236K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Los Angeles, CA

The Golden State

3.9M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Mediterranean

Notable Facts

•Entertainment capital of the world
•Major Pacific Rim trade center
•Diverse metropolitan area

Major Industries

EntertainmentTechnologyInternational TradeTourism

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Boise, ID vs Los Angeles, CA

Category	Boise, ID	Los Angeles, CA	Difference	Change
Housing	$2,989/mo	$7,749/mo	↑ $4,761more	159.3%
Transportation	$1,325/mo	$2,158/mo	↑ $833more	62.9%
Healthcare	$644/mo	$554/mo	↓ $90.46less	14.0%
All Utilities	$486/mo	$557/mo	↑ $71.03more	14.6%
Groceries	$979/mo	$1,040/mo	↑ $60.95more	6.2%
Other	$1,774/mo	$1,731/mo	↓ $43.52less	2.5%

Housing

↑ 159.3%

Boise, ID

$2,989

Los Angeles, CA

$7,749

Difference

$4,761

Transportation

↑ 62.9%

Boise, ID

$1,325

Los Angeles, CA

$2,158

Difference

$833

Healthcare

↓ 14.0%

Boise, ID

$644

Los Angeles, CA

$554

Difference

$90.46

less

All Utilities

↑ 14.6%

Boise, ID

$486

Los Angeles, CA

$557

Difference

$71.03

Groceries

↑ 6.2%

Boise, ID

$979

Los Angeles, CA

$1,040

Difference

$60.95

Other

↓ 2.5%

Boise, ID

$1,774

Los Angeles, CA

$1,731

Difference

$43.52

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,170

To$1,910

↑ $740

1 Bed

From$1,390

To$2,135

↑ $745

2 Bed

From$1,660

To$2,660

↑ $1,000

3 Bed

From$2,320

To$3,370

↑ $1,050

Boise, IDZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,390–$1,880/mo

Los Angeles, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,630–$3,130/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

$13,790

Monthly in Los Angeles, CA

$5,592

Difference

Home Values

Boise

Los Angeles

$504K

Median Value

$885K

↑ +1.6%

YoY Change

↓ -3.4%

↑ +24.7%

5-Year Change

↑ +13.1%

$413K - $779K

Price Range

$531K - $3.01M

Homes in Los Angeles are 76% more expensive than Boise

Calculate payment - Boise Calculate payment - Los Angeles

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

Los Angeles, 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%

Los Angeles, 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.