Boise, ID vs Fairfield, CA
Side-by-side comparison of housing, income, commute, safety, and quality of life.
Score Snapshot
No universal winner
Scores summarize the published model. Use the objective metric differences below and your own priorities to choose.
Boise
73.2
#766 nationally
Fairfield
62.9
#1812 nationally
Boise leads in average commute (19.1 min vs 32.3 min). Boise leads in cost of living index (104 vs 151). Fairfield leads in median household income ($98,857 vs $82,500).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Boise, ID | Fairfield, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 73.2 (#766) | 62.9 (#1812) |
| Population | 237,963 | 120,768 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $507,649 | $605,863 |
| Median Household Income | $82,500 | $98,857 |
| Average Commute | 19.1 min | 32.3 min |
| Walk Score | 38 | 37 |
| Crime Level | Low | 13.6 |
| School Rating | 7.8 | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 104 | 151 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+10.3 | D+23.0 |
C
73.2 Score
Boise, ID
Mountain living meets urban opportunity
Median Home
$507,649
Population
237,963
Crime
Low
Schools
B+
West
View Boise, ID →
D-
62.9 Score
Fairfield, CA
Mid-size California city with community character
Median Home
$605,863
Population
120,768
Crime
Moderate-High
Walk Score
37
Pacific
View Fairfield, CA →