Boise, ID
Mountain access, a 5.3% flat income tax, a smaller-city pace.
Boise draws Angelenos who want four seasons and quick access to the outdoors. Idaho has a 5.3% flat income tax, and in the most recent Redfin data the typical Boise home sold for about $540K, versus about $904K for the typical LA County zip code.
The money picture
| Typical LA County zip | Boise, ID | |
|---|---|---|
| Median sale price | $904K | $540K |
| Median price per sq ft | $588 | $320 |
| Median days on market | n/a | 11 |
| State income tax on wages | Progressive, top rate 13.3% | 5.3% flat rate (tax year 2026) |
Market figures: Redfin Data Center. Boise: May 2026, all residential. LA: median of LA County zip-code medians, Mar 2026 to May 2026. Medians are a rough guide and hide a wide range of homes. Tax rates as published by each state for tax year 2026; rates change, so verify with the state's revenue department.
Idaho's flat 5.3% rate applies to taxable income for tax year 2026 (set by legislation passed in 2025). Idaho also offers a homeowner's exemption that reduces the taxable value of an owner-occupied primary residence, up to a capped amount.
On $250,000 of taxable income, 5.3% comes to about $13,250 in Idaho income tax. That is a simplified calculation; deductions, credits and filing status change the real figure, and someone moving mid-year typically files part-year returns in both states.
What people tend to weigh
- Outdoors. Foothills trails close to town and ski areas like Bogus Basin within about an hour.
- Climate. Hot, dry summers and real winters with snow.
- Size. A much smaller metro than LA. Fewer direct flights and a quieter pace.
- Housing stock. Older homes near downtown and the North End, and newer construction in Meridian, Eagle and Nampa.
Selling the LA side first
The move usually starts with the sale here. Our guide to selling your LA home and moving out of state walks through timing, California withholding at closing, transfer taxes and other things people commonly ask a CPA about.