Is Santa Clarita, CA cheaper than Boise, ID?

Based on cost of living data, Santa Clarita, CA is 50.9% more expensive than Boise, ID. This translates to spending an extra $3820 per month.

What salary do I need in Santa Clarita, CA to live like I do in Boise, ID?

If you earn $150,000 in Boise, ID, you'd need approximately $195,835.782 in Santa Clarita, CA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Boise, ID and Santa Clarita, CA?

Housing in Santa Clarita, CA is 115.4% more expensive than in Boise, ID. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,197/month in Santa Clarita, CA compared to $1,660/month in Boise, ID.

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

Living in Santa Clarita, CA costs approximately $3820 more per month than Boise, ID, or $45836 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Boise, ID vs Santa Clarita, 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 $3.8K/month more in Santa Clarita, CA

$150.0K in your current city equals $195.8K in Santa Clarita, CA

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

Overall Cost

↑ 50.9%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$3,820

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$45.8K

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

Santa Clarita, CA

Population:224K

Cost Index:

151

(51% 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.

Santa Clarita, CA

The Golden State

224K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 224K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Boise, ID vs Santa Clarita, CA

Category	Boise, ID	Santa Clarita, CA	Difference	Change
Housing	$2,989/mo	$6,439/mo	↑ $3,450more	115.4%
Transportation	$1,325/mo	$1,992/mo	↑ $667more	50.4%
Other	$1,774/mo	$1,598/mo	↓ $177less	9.9%
Healthcare	$644/mo	$532/mo	↓ $112less	17.4%
All Utilities	$486/mo	$536/mo	↑ $49.19more	10.1%
Groceries	$979/mo	$999/mo	↑ $20.19more	2.1%

Housing

↑ 115.4%

Boise, ID

$2,989

Santa Clarita, CA

$6,439

Difference

$3,450

Transportation

↑ 50.4%

Boise, ID

$1,325

Santa Clarita, CA

$1,992

Difference

$667

Other

↓ 9.9%

Boise, ID

$1,774

Santa Clarita, CA

$1,598

Difference

$177

less

Healthcare

↓ 17.4%

Boise, ID

$644

Santa Clarita, CA

$532

Difference

$112

less

All Utilities

↑ 10.1%

Boise, ID

$486

Santa Clarita, CA

$536

Difference

$49.19

Groceries

↑ 2.1%

Boise, ID

$979

Santa Clarita, CA

$999

Difference

$20.19

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,170

To$1,452

↑ $282

1 Bed

From$1,390

To$1,648

↑ $258

2 Bed

From$1,660

To$2,197

↑ $537

3 Bed

From$2,320

To$3,296

↑ $976

Boise, IDZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,390–$1,880/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

$12,096

Monthly in Santa Clarita, CA

$3,898

Difference

Home Values

Boise

Santa Clarita

$504K

Median Value

↑ +1.6%

YoY Change

↑ +24.7%

5-Year Change

$413K - $779K

Price Range

Calculate payment - Boise

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

Santa Clarita, 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%

Santa Clarita, 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.