Is Boise City, ID cheaper than Irvine, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Boise City, ID is 9.4% cheaper than Irvine, CA. This translates to saving $705 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Irvine, CA, you'd need approximately $141,538.462 in Boise City, ID to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Boise City, ID is 14.8% cheaper than in Irvine, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,400/month in Boise City, ID compared to $2,000/month in Irvine, CA.

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

Moving from Irvine, CA to Boise City, ID could save you approximately $705 per month, or $8462 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Irvine, CA vs Boise City, 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 Irvine, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $705/month moving to Boise City, ID

$150.0K in your current city equals $141.5K in Boise City, ID

Using Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA and Boise City, ID metropolitan area data

Overall Cost

↓ 9.4%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$705

Savings

Annual Impact

$8.5K

Per year

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

Irvine, CA

Population:308K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Boise City, ID

Population:235K

Cost Index:

(9% below avg)

Median Home:$504K

Irvine, CA

The Golden State

308K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 308K residents.

Boise City, ID

The Gem State

235K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Irvine, CA vs Boise City, ID

Category	Irvine, CA	Boise City, ID	Difference	Change
Transportation	$2,158/mo	$1,325/mo	↓ $833less	38.6%
Housing	$3,508/mo	$2,989/mo	↓ $520less	14.8%
Healthcare	$551/mo	$644/mo	↑ $92.94more	16.9%
All Utilities	$557/mo	$486/mo	↓ $71.03less	12.7%
Groceries	$1,039/mo	$979/mo	↓ $59.96less	5.8%
Other	$1,724/mo	$1,774/mo	↑ $50.22more	2.9%

Transportation

↓ 38.6%

Irvine, CA

$2,158

Boise City, ID

$1,325

Difference

$833

less

Housing

↓ 14.8%

Irvine, CA

$3,508

Boise City, ID

$2,989

Difference

$520

less

Healthcare

↑ 16.9%

Irvine, CA

$551

Boise City, ID

$644

Difference

$92.94

All Utilities

↓ 12.7%

Irvine, CA

$557

Boise City, ID

$486

Difference

$71.03

less

Groceries

↓ 5.8%

Irvine, CA

$1,039

Boise City, ID

$979

Difference

$59.96

less

Other

↑ 2.9%

Irvine, CA

$1,724

Boise City, ID

$1,774

Difference

$50.22

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,350

To$950

↓ $400

1 Bed

From$1,550

To$1,100

↓ $450

2 Bed

From$2,000

To$1,400

↓ $600

3 Bed

From$2,800

To$1,950

↓ $850

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

$9,539

Monthly in Irvine, CA

$8,198

Monthly in Boise City, ID

$1,341

Difference

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

Irvine, 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 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

Additional Tax Information

Irvine, CA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:10.5%

Property Tax:0.8%

Boise City, 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.