Is Boise City, ID cheaper than San Diego, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Boise City, ID is 26.4% cheaper than San Diego, CA. This translates to saving $1979 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in San Diego, CA, you'd need approximately $126,250 in Boise City, ID to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Boise City, ID is 42.8% cheaper than in San Diego, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,400/month in Boise City, ID compared to $3,360/month in San Diego, CA.

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

Moving from San Diego, CA to Boise City, ID could save you approximately $1979 per month, or $23750 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

San Diego, 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 San Diego, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $2.0K/month moving to Boise City, ID

$150.0K in your current city equals $126.3K in Boise City, ID

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA area

Overall Cost

↓ 26.4%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,979

Savings

Annual Impact

$23.7K

Per year

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

San Diego, CA

Population:1387K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$980K

Boise City, ID

Population:235K

Cost Index:

(26% below avg)

Median Home:$504K

San Diego, CA

The Golden State

1.4M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Semi-arid Mediterranean

Notable Facts

•Year-round perfect weather
•Major military presence
•Biotech hub

Major Industries

MilitaryTechnologyTourismBiotechnology

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: San Diego, CA vs Boise City, ID

Category	San Diego, CA	Boise City, ID	Difference	Change
Housing	$5,223/mo	$2,989/mo	↓ $2,235less	42.8%
Transportation	$1,571/mo	$1,325/mo	↓ $246less	15.7%
All Utilities	$634/mo	$486/mo	↓ $148less	23.3%
Other	$1,892/mo	$1,774/mo	↓ $117less	6.2%
Groceries	$1,079/mo	$979/mo	↓ $99.93less	9.3%
Healthcare	$638/mo	$644/mo	↑ $6.20more	1.0%

Housing

↓ 42.8%

San Diego, CA

$5,223

Boise City, ID

$2,989

Difference

$2,235

less

Transportation

↓ 15.7%

San Diego, CA

$1,571

Boise City, ID

$1,325

Difference

$246

less

All Utilities

↓ 23.3%

San Diego, CA

$634

Boise City, ID

$486

Difference

$148

less

Other

↓ 6.2%

San Diego, CA

$1,892

Boise City, ID

$1,774

Difference

$117

less

Groceries

↓ 9.3%

San Diego, CA

$1,079

Boise City, ID

$979

Difference

$99.93

less

Healthcare

↑ 1.0%

San Diego, CA

$638

Boise City, ID

$644

Difference

$6.20

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$2,565

To$950

↓ $1,615

1 Bed

From$2,755

To$1,100

↓ $1,655

2 Bed

From$3,360

To$1,400

↓ $1,960

3 Bed

From$4,475

To$1,950

↓ $2,525

San Diego, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,980–$3,690/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.

$11,037

Monthly in San Diego, CA

$8,198

Monthly in Boise City, ID

$2,839

Difference

Home Values

San Diego

Boise City

$980K

Median Value

↓ -3%

YoY Change

↑ +37.4%

5-Year Change

$598K - $2.01M

Price Range

Calculate payment - San Diego

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

San Diego, 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

San Diego, 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.