Is Boise, ID cheaper than Fresno, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Boise, ID is 1.9% more expensive than Fresno, CA. This translates to spending an extra $144 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Fresno, CA, you'd need approximately $151,730.769 in Boise, ID to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Boise, ID is 13.9% more expensive than in Fresno, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,660/month in Boise, ID compared to $1,615/month in Fresno, CA.

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

Living in Boise, ID costs approximately $144 more per month than Fresno, CA, or $1731 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Fresno, CA vs Boise, ID: 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 Fresno, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $144/month more in Boise, ID

$150.0K in your current city equals $151.7K in Boise, ID

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Fresno, CA area

Overall Cost

↑ 1.9%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$144

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$1.7K

Per year

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

Fresno, CA

Population:542K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$319K

Boise, ID

Population:236K

Cost Index:

102

(2% above avg)

Median Home:$504K

Fresno, CA

The Golden State

542K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 542K residents.

Boise, ID

The Gem State

236K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Fresno, CA vs Boise, ID

Category	Fresno, CA	Boise, ID	Difference	Change
Housing	$2,625/mo	$2,989/mo	↑ $364more	13.9%
Transportation	$1,475/mo	$1,325/mo	↓ $150less	10.2%
Healthcare	$502/mo	$644/mo	↑ $143more	28.4%
Groceries	$1,089/mo	$979/mo	↓ $110less	10.1%
All Utilities	$530/mo	$486/mo	↓ $43.71less	8.2%
Other	$1,758/mo	$1,774/mo	↑ $16.74more	1.0%

Housing

↑ 13.9%

Fresno, CA

$2,625

Boise, ID

$2,989

Difference

$364

Transportation

↓ 10.2%

Fresno, CA

$1,475

Boise, ID

$1,325

Difference

$150

less

Healthcare

↑ 28.4%

Fresno, CA

$502

Boise, ID

$644

Difference

$143

Groceries

↓ 10.1%

Fresno, CA

$1,089

Boise, ID

$979

Difference

$110

less

All Utilities

↓ 8.2%

Fresno, CA

$530

Boise, ID

$486

Difference

$43.71

less

Other

↑ 1.0%

Fresno, CA

$1,758

Boise, ID

$1,774

Difference

$16.74

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,305

To$1,170

↓ $135

1 Bed

From$1,315

To$1,390

↑ $75.00

2 Bed

From$1,615

To$1,660

↑ $45.00

3 Bed

From$2,245

To$2,320

↑ $75.00

Fresno, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,100–$2,010/mo

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.

$7,979

Monthly in Fresno, CA

$8,198

Monthly in Boise, ID

$219

Difference

Home Values

Fresno

Boise

$319K

Median Value

$504K

↓ -0.9%

YoY Change

↑ +1.6%

↑ +32%

5-Year Change

↑ +24.7%

$197K - $504K

Price Range

$413K - $779K

Homes in Boise are 58% more expensive than Fresno

Calculate payment - Fresno 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

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$468

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

3.7%

Rate difference

Fresno, 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

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

Additional Tax Information

Fresno, CA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:10.5%

Property Tax:0.8%

Boise, ID Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.3%

Property Tax:0.7%

💡 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.