Boise vs Los Angeles: cost of living compared
Los Angeles is 72% more expensive than Boise overall.
Indexes use a US average of 100: below 100 is cheaper than the national average. Housing and transportation are derived from median home prices, rents and commute times; figures come from BLS, Census ACS, Numbeo and the MIT Living Wage Calculator.
The big picture
Moving between Boise and Los Angeles presents a significant shift in financial outlay. Overall, the cost of living in Los Angeles is substantially higher than in Boise. This considerable difference is primarily driven by housing expenses, which are dramatically elevated in the California metropolis. While other categories also show Los Angeles as more expensive, housing creates the widest gap in affordability between the two cities.
Housing
Housing costs, whether buying or renting, are considerably higher in Los Angeles. The median home price in Los Angeles is nearly double that of Boise, and typical one-bedroom rents follow a similar pattern. While both metros offer a mix of housing types, Los Angeles often features a denser urban environment with a premium on space, whereas Boise tends to have more traditional single-family homes. Property taxes and insurance costs can also vary significantly.
Taxes and everyday costs
Daily expenses for transportation, groceries, healthcare, and utilities are all noticeably higher in Los Angeles compared to Boise. Commute times are also longer on average in Los Angeles. Additionally, California has a state income tax, which is a factor to consider, whereas Idaho's income tax situation is different. These combined factors mean that routine spending on essential goods and services will require a larger portion of one's income in Los Angeles.
Lifestyle trade-offs
Beyond costs, the lifestyle in these two metros differs greatly. Boise offers a mountain desert climate with distinct seasons, a more relaxed pace, and easier access to outdoor recreation. Los Angeles, with its Mediterranean climate, is a sprawling, densely populated urban center known for its diverse cultural offerings and coastal proximity. Getting around Los Angeles often involves navigating extensive traffic, while Boise typically has shorter travel times.
Bottom line
For households considering a move, the financial implications are clear: a budget will stretch much further in Boise than in Los Angeles. The substantial difference in housing costs is the most impactful factor, but nearly all categories of spending are more expensive in the larger California city. A move to Boise would likely free up significant financial resources, while a move to Los Angeles would necessitate a much higher income to maintain a similar standard of living.
| Measure | Boise, ID | Los Angeles, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 102 | 175 |
| Housing index | 110 | 201 |
| Transportation index | 82 | 129 |
| Food index | 95 | 112 |
| Healthcare index | 95 | 118 |
| Utilities index | 88 | 128 |
| Misc index | 90 | 118 |
| Median home price | $418,000 | $795,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $1,450/mo | $2,400/mo |
| Average commute | 22 min | 34 min |
Compare any two metros with the free cost of living tool, or see the true monthly cost of a specific Los Angeles home with the True Cost Calculator.