Boise vs San Francisco: cost of living compared
San Francisco is 111% 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 San Francisco presents a dramatic shift in living expenses. San Francisco's overall cost of living is substantially higher, driven primarily by its housing market. While Boise's costs are slightly above the national average, San Francisco's expenses are more than double that average, making it one of the most expensive places in the nation. This significant difference impacts nearly every aspect of daily spending.
Housing
The housing market shows the most striking contrast. Both buying a home and renting a one-bedroom apartment are vastly more expensive in San Francisco. Boise offers more accessible home prices and significantly lower rental costs. San Francisco's housing stock often features denser, older construction, while Boise typically offers more detached single-family homes, potentially with different property tax implications and fewer HOA fees.
Taxes and everyday costs
Daily expenses for transportation, food, healthcare, and utilities are all noticeably higher in San Francisco compared to Boise. Beyond these categories, California also has a state income tax, which is a significant consideration, whereas Idaho's income tax situation is different. This means that a larger portion of your income in San Francisco will go towards everyday necessities and taxes.
Lifestyle trade-offs
Beyond costs, lifestyle differences are pronounced. San Francisco offers a dense, urban environment with extensive public transit, a longer average commute, and a mild, often foggy climate. Boise provides a more suburban feel, with a shorter average commute, a drier climate with distinct seasons, and a greater reliance on personal vehicles. The pace of life and population density are also notably different between the two metros.
Bottom line
Relocating from San Francisco to Boise would likely result in substantial savings across all major spending categories, particularly housing, allowing for greater financial flexibility. Conversely, a move from Boise to San Francisco would necessitate a significantly larger budget to maintain a similar standard of living, with housing costs presenting the biggest financial hurdle for households.
| Measure | Boise, ID | San Francisco, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 102 | 215 |
| Housing index | 110 | 309 |
| Transportation index | 82 | 135 |
| Food index | 95 | 125 |
| Healthcare index | 95 | 122 |
| Utilities index | 88 | 148 |
| Misc index | 90 | 138 |
| Median home price | $418,000 | $1,250,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $1,450/mo | $3,450/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 San Francisco home with the True Cost Calculator.