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

Based on cost of living data, Boise City, ID is 46.2% cheaper than San Francisco, CA. This translates to saving $3464 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in San Francisco, CA, you'd need approximately $108,426.396 in Boise City, ID to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Boise City, ID is 69.4% cheaper than in San Francisco, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,400/month in Boise City, ID compared to $3,570/month in San Francisco, CA.

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

Moving from San Francisco, CA to Boise City, ID could save you approximately $3464 per month, or $41574 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

San Francisco, 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 Francisco, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $3.5K/month moving to Boise City, ID

$150.0K in your current city equals $108.4K in Boise City, ID

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA area

Overall Cost

↓ 46.2%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$3,464

Savings

Annual Impact

$41.6K

Per year

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

San Francisco, CA

Population:874K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$1.25M

Boise City, ID

Population:235K

Cost Index:

(46% below avg)

Median Home:$504K

San Francisco, CA

The Golden State

874K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Mediterranean

Notable Facts

•Global technology hub
•Historic cable cars
•Major startup ecosystem

Major Industries

TechnologyFinanceTourismBiotechnology

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 Francisco, CA vs Boise City, ID

Category	San Francisco, CA	Boise City, ID	Difference	Change
Housing	$9,771/mo	$2,989/mo	↓ $6,783less	69.4%
Transportation	$2,158/mo	$1,325/mo	↓ $833less	38.6%
Groceries	$1,159/mo	$979/mo	↓ $180less	15.5%
Other	$1,875/mo	$1,774/mo	↓ $100less	5.4%
Healthcare	$706/mo	$644/mo	↓ $61.96less	8.8%
All Utilities	$448/mo	$486/mo	↑ $38.25more	8.5%

Housing

↓ 69.4%

San Francisco, CA

$9,771

Boise City, ID

$2,989

Difference

$6,783

less

Transportation

↓ 38.6%

San Francisco, CA

$2,158

Boise City, ID

$1,325

Difference

$833

less

Groceries

↓ 15.5%

San Francisco, CA

$1,159

Boise City, ID

$979

Difference

$180

less

Other

↓ 5.4%

San Francisco, CA

$1,875

Boise City, ID

$1,774

Difference

$100

less

Healthcare

↓ 8.8%

San Francisco, CA

$706

Boise City, ID

$644

Difference

$61.96

less

All Utilities

↑ 8.5%

San Francisco, CA

$448

Boise City, ID

$486

Difference

$38.25

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$2,460

To$950

↓ $1,510

1 Bed

From$2,950

To$1,100

↓ $1,850

2 Bed

From$3,570

To$1,400

↓ $2,170

3 Bed

From$4,560

To$1,950

↓ $2,610

San Francisco, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,510–$3,910/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.

$16,118

Monthly in San Francisco, CA

$8,198

Monthly in Boise City, ID

$7,920

Difference

Home Values

San Francisco

Boise City

$1.25M

Median Value

↑ +3.7%

YoY Change

↓ -7.5%

5-Year Change

$693K - $2.12M

Price Range

Calculate payment - San Francisco

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 Francisco, 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 Francisco, 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.