Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
17% cheaper
Boise is 17% more affordable than Riverside. A $75,000 salary in Riverside is equivalent to $62,109 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 Riverside sits at 155 (national average = 100). The median home in Boise costs $420,000 compared to $500,000 in Riverside, a difference of $80,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Boise versus $1,800 in Riverside.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Boise scores 99 while Riverside scores 103. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Boise (98) are lower than Riverside (102). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Boise is $60,818 compared to $67,068 in Riverside. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Boise.
Amazon affiliate links