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

Based on cost of living data, Boise City, ID is 47.3% cheaper than San Jose, CA. This translates to saving $3545 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in San Jose, CA, you'd need approximately $107,462.687 in Boise City, ID to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Boise City, ID is 69.1% cheaper than in San Jose, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,400/month in Boise City, ID compared to $3,445/month in San Jose, CA.

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

Moving from San Jose, CA to Boise City, ID could save you approximately $3545 per month, or $42537 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

San Jose, 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 Jose, 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 $107.5K in Boise City, ID

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA area

Overall Cost

↓ 47.3%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$3,545

Savings

Annual Impact

$42.5K

Per year

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

San Jose, CA

Population:1013K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$1.35M

Boise City, ID

Population:235K

Cost Index:

(47% below avg)

Median Home:$504K

San Jose, CA

The Golden State

1.0M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 1.0M 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: San Jose, CA vs Boise City, ID

Category	San Jose, CA	Boise City, ID	Difference	Change
Housing	$9,667/mo	$2,989/mo	↓ $6,679less	69.1%
Groceries	$1,129/mo	$979/mo	↓ $150less	13.3%
Transportation	$1,407/mo	$1,325/mo	↓ $81.96less	5.8%
Healthcare	$706/mo	$644/mo	↓ $61.96less	8.8%
Other	$1,825/mo	$1,774/mo	↓ $50.22less	2.8%
All Utilities	$464/mo	$486/mo	↑ $21.86more	4.7%

Housing

↓ 69.1%

San Jose, CA

$9,667

Boise City, ID

$2,989

Difference

$6,679

less

Groceries

↓ 13.3%

San Jose, CA

$1,129

Boise City, ID

$979

Difference

$150

less

Transportation

↓ 5.8%

San Jose, CA

$1,407

Boise City, ID

$1,325

Difference

$81.96

less

Healthcare

↓ 8.8%

San Jose, CA

$706

Boise City, ID

$644

Difference

$61.96

less

Other

↓ 2.8%

San Jose, CA

$1,825

Boise City, ID

$1,774

Difference

$50.22

less

All Utilities

↑ 4.7%

San Jose, CA

$464

Boise City, ID

$486

Difference

$21.86

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$2,590

To$950

↓ $1,640

1 Bed

From$2,950

To$1,100

↓ $1,850

2 Bed

From$3,445

To$1,400

↓ $2,045

3 Bed

From$4,550

To$1,950

↓ $2,600

San Jose, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,190–$4,060/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.

$15,199

Monthly in San Jose, CA

$8,198

Monthly in Boise City, ID

$7,001

Difference

Home Values

San Jose

Boise City

$1.35M

Median Value

↓ -2.5%

YoY Change

↑ +35.5%

5-Year Change

$671K - $2.59M

Price Range

Calculate payment - San Jose

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 Jose, 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 Jose, 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.