Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
5% cheaper
Boise is 5% more affordable than Modesto. A $75,000 salary in Modesto is equivalent to $70,982 in Boise.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Idaho salaries · California salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Boise has a housing index of 118 while Modesto sits at 121 (national average = 100). The median home in Boise costs $420,000 compared to $380,000 in Modesto, a difference of $40,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Boise versus $1,400 in Modesto.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Boise scores 99 while Modesto scores 100. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Boise (98) are lower than Modesto (100). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Boise is $60,818 compared to $55,138 in Modesto. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Boise.
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