Is Boise City, ID cheaper than Modesto, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Boise City, ID is 2.8% cheaper than Modesto, CA. This translates to saving $206 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Modesto, CA, you'd need approximately $147,522.936 in Boise City, ID to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Boise City, ID is 3.4% cheaper than in Modesto, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,400/month in Boise City, ID compared to $1,800/month in Modesto, CA.

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

Moving from Modesto, CA to Boise City, ID could save you approximately $206 per month, or $2477 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Modesto, 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 Modesto, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $206/month moving to Boise City, ID

$150.0K in your current city equals $147.5K in Boise City, ID

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

Overall Cost

↓ 2.8%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$206

Savings

Annual Impact

$2.5K

Per year

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

Modesto, CA

Population:218K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$424K

Boise City, ID

Population:235K

Cost Index:

(3% below avg)

Median Home:$504K

Modesto, CA

The Golden State

218K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 218K 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: Modesto, CA vs Boise City, ID

Category	Modesto, CA	Boise City, ID	Difference	Change
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%
Housing	$3,092/mo	$2,989/mo	↓ $104less	3.4%
Other	$1,724/mo	$1,774/mo	↑ $50.22more	2.9%
All Utilities	$530/mo	$486/mo	↓ $43.71less	8.2%

Transportation

↓ 10.2%

Modesto, CA

$1,475

Boise City, ID

$1,325

Difference

$150

less

Healthcare

↑ 28.4%

Modesto, CA

$502

Boise City, ID

$644

Difference

$143

Groceries

↓ 10.1%

Modesto, CA

$1,089

Boise City, ID

$979

Difference

$110

less

Housing

↓ 3.4%

Modesto, CA

$3,092

Boise City, ID

$2,989

Difference

$104

less

Other

↑ 2.9%

Modesto, CA

$1,724

Boise City, ID

$1,774

Difference

$50.22

All Utilities

↓ 8.2%

Modesto, CA

$530

Boise City, ID

$486

Difference

$43.71

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,290

To$950

↓ $340

1 Bed

From$1,390

To$1,100

↓ $290

2 Bed

From$1,800

To$1,400

↓ $400

3 Bed

From$2,500

To$1,950

↓ $550

Modesto, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,250–$1,780/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.

$8,413

Monthly in Modesto, CA

$8,198

Monthly in Boise City, ID

$215

Difference

Home Values

Modesto

Boise City

$424K

Median Value

↓ -1.2%

YoY Change

↑ +26.4%

5-Year Change

$371K - $513K

Price Range

Calculate payment - Modesto

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

Modesto, 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

Modesto, 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.