Boise, ID vs Salinas, 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
Salinas
63.5
#1766 nationally
Salinas leads in walk score (55 vs 38). Boise leads in cost of living index (104 vs 149). Boise leads in average commute (19.1 min vs 25.9 min).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Boise, ID | Salinas, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 73.2 (#766) | 63.5 (#1766) |
| Population | 237,963 | 159,506 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $507,649 | $753,868 |
| Median Household Income | $82,500 | $84,250 |
| Average Commute | 19.1 min | 25.9 min |
| Walk Score | 38 | 55 |
| Crime Level | Low | 14.4 |
| School Rating | 7.8 | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 104 | 149 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+10.3 | D+29.9 |
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 →
D
63.5 Score
Salinas, CA
Mid-size California city with community character
Median Home
$753,868
Population
159,506
Crime
Moderate-High
Walk Score
55
Pacific
View Salinas, CA →