Boise, ID vs Palmdale, 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
Palmdale
58
#1956 nationally
Boise leads in average commute (19.1 min vs 41.3 min). Boise leads in walk score (38 vs 24). Boise leads in cost of living index (104 vs 130).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Boise, ID | Palmdale, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 73.2 (#766) | 58 (#1956) |
| Population | 237,963 | 161,404 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $507,649 | $503,499 |
| Median Household Income | $82,500 | $78,414 |
| Average Commute | 19.1 min | 41.3 min |
| Walk Score | 38 | 24 |
| Crime Level | Low | 15.1 |
| School Rating | 7.8 | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 104 | 130 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+10.3 | D+32.9 |
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 →
F
58 Score
Palmdale, CA
Mid-size California city with community character
Median Home
$503,499
Population
161,404
Crime
High
Walk Score
24
Pacific
View Palmdale, CA →