Boise vs Sacramento: cost of living compared
Sacramento is 25% 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
Sacramento presents a noticeably higher overall cost of living compared to Boise, which remains closer to the national average. The most significant factor contributing to this difference is housing, where Sacramento's prices are substantially greater. While other categories also show Sacramento as more expensive, the housing market creates the largest gap in affordability between the two metros, making it a primary consideration for potential movers.
Housing
Housing costs in Sacramento, both for purchasing and renting, are considerably higher than in Boise. Median home prices and typical one-bedroom rents reflect this substantial difference. Boise generally offers more affordable housing options, often featuring a mix of newer developments and established homes. Sacramento's housing market, influenced by its larger regional economy, typically commands a premium, with a diverse stock ranging from historic properties to contemporary builds.
Taxes and everyday costs
Daily expenses for transportation, food, healthcare, and utilities are all higher in Sacramento. Boise offers more economical options across these categories, making everyday spending more manageable. A key difference is state income tax; California has a significant state income tax, which is absent in Idaho. This means that even with similar incomes, disposable income for daily needs will likely be greater in Boise.
Lifestyle trade-offs
Boise offers a generally drier, four-season climate with colder winters and hot summers, often with abundant sunshine. It tends to have a more relaxed pace and a less dense urban feel, with convenient access to outdoor recreation. Sacramento experiences a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters, and is a larger, more bustling metropolitan area. Public transportation options are more extensive in Sacramento, while Boise relies more on personal vehicles.
Bottom line
Moving from Boise to Sacramento would entail a substantial increase in household expenses, primarily due to housing and state income tax. Conversely, a move from Sacramento to Boise would likely free up a significant portion of a household budget. While both metros offer distinct lifestyles and amenities, the financial implications of living in Sacramento are considerably greater across almost all spending categories compared to Boise.
| Measure | Boise, ID | Sacramento, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 102 | 128 |
| Housing index | 110 | 132 |
| Transportation index | 82 | 110 |
| Food index | 95 | 108 |
| Healthcare index | 95 | 108 |
| Utilities index | 88 | 125 |
| Misc index | 90 | 105 |
| Median home price | $418,000 | $498,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $1,450/mo | $1,750/mo |
| Average commute | 22 min | 30 min |
Compare any two metros with the free cost of living tool, or see the true monthly cost of a specific Sacramento home with the True Cost Calculator.