San Jose, California, located in the heart of Silicon Valley, is a bustling tech hub known for its high cost of living, diverse culture, milder weather and robust infrastructure. Excellent education facilities and high-paying jobs cater to those seeking advancement in their careers. On the contrary, Boise, Idaho, offers a more affordable and slower-paced life, with an emphasis on outdoor activities, lower taxes, fewer crowds, as well as a blossoming tech industry. The following sections provide a detailed comparison between the two cities.
Distance between
San Jose, CA and
Boise, ID : 526.8 miles
San Jose's population is larger by 314%. Its population has grown by 88,546 people (9.9%) since 2000. The population of Boise has grown by 51,659 people (27.8%) during that time.
In terms of safety, Boise is generally considered safer than San Jose. According to neighborhoodscout.com, Boise's crime rate is considerably lower than the national average while San Jose falls slightly higher than the average. However, the crime rates vary depending on the neighborhood in both cities so it's always advisable to research specific neighborhoods when considering safety.
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
Sex Offenders
According to our data, there are 1,806 registered sex offenders living in San Jose and 782 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in San Jose is 568 to 1; the ratio in Boise is 285 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents is a smaller in San Jose than in Boise.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in San Jose is significantly higher than in Boise. Factors such as housing, groceries, transportation, and health care are all more expensive in San Jose as it is known to be one of the most expensive cities in the U.S. Boise, on the other hand, is much more affordable, making it an attractive option for people looking for a lower cost of living.
Income Tax
California has progressive income tax rates which make it one of the highest-taxed states in the U.S. Meanwhile, Idaho's progressive income tax rates are much lower.
Property Tax
The property tax in San Jose, while higher than in Boise, is average for California. Idaho has lower property tax rates, which can be attractive for homebuyers.
Sales Tax
California has a higher sales tax rate than Idaho, with San Jose's combined city and state sales tax rate sitting at 9.25%. Boise has a combined rate of approximately 6%.
Income
Type
San Jose
Boise
Estimated median household income
$126,377
$70,217
Estimated per capita income
$57,357
$42,814
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
127.4
95.8
If you make $50,000 in Boise, you will have to make $66,493 in San Jose to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
San Jose is surrounded by hills and enjoys proximity to the Pacific Coast and San Francisco Bay. Boise, often referred to as the City of Trees, is bordered by the Boise Mountains and the Snake River, providing ample opportunities for outdoor recreation.
Both cities have excellent educational opportunities. San Jose is home to some of the best higher education institutes in the country like San Jose State University and Santa Clara University. Boise offers great public schooling options and colleges like Boise State University. Both cities support a highly educated workforce.
San Jose's economy is centered around the tech industry, hosting many world-renowned tech giants like Apple and Google. Boise has a more diversified economy with industries ranging from technology to healthcare and agriculture, with a growing tech sector.
Biggest Employers
The biggest employers in San Jose are tech companies like Apple, Google, and Cisco Systems. In Boise, St. Luke's Health System and Micron Technology are among the biggest employers.
There were 299 building permits issued in San Jose in 2012 (216 more than in 2011) compared to 856 building permits issued in Boise in 2012 (497 more than in 2011).
In San Jose (Santa Clara County), 70.0% voted for Democrats and 27.1% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Boise (Ada County), 42.3% voted for Democrats and 53.5% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
San Jose
Boise
San Jose
Boise
San Jose
Boise
2020
72.7%
46.6%
25.2%
50.5%
2.1%
2.8%
2016
72.7%
38.8%
20.6%
48.1%
6.7%
13.0%
2012
70.0%
42.3%
27.1%
53.5%
2.9%
4.1%
2008
69.6%
45.5%
28.6%
51.6%
1.8%
2.9%
2004
64.3%
37.8%
34.8%
61.2%
0.9%
1.0%
2000
60.7%
33.1%
34.4%
61.0%
4.9%
5.9%
1996
56.9%
36.6%
32.2%
52.5%
11.0%
10.9%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
San Jose
Boise
San Jose
Boise
CATHOLIC CHURCH
25.1%
6.7%
6.0%
2.5%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
1.1%
0.2%
1.8%
0.8%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
0.9%
0.6%
7.7%
3.1%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.5%
0.6%
2.3%
1.1%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.4%
0.6%
2.6%
2.3%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.3%
0.6%
2.3%
1.4%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.2%
0.5%
1.4%
1.1%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
0.1%
0.7%
1.1%
2.0%
VINEYARD USA
0.0%
0.9%
0.1%
0.6%
Weather
San Jose experiences a Mediterranean climate with warm sunny days and cool nights. Winters in San Jose are mild compared to many U.S states. Boise experiences a more extreme climate, with hot summers and cold winters. Snowfall is common in Boise, making it a great destination for winter sports enthusiasts.
Weather and climate
Type
San Jose
Boise
Temperature - Average
60.9°F
51.6°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
77.3%
57.8%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
35.5%
59%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
87%
79%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
51.6%
20%
Precipitation - Yearly average
16.1 in
13.1 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
0 in
40 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
27.4%
20%
Sunshine amount - Average
73.8%
68.3%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
23%
53%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
77.4%
85%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
54.4%
32%
Wind speed - Average
10.3 mph
8.2 mph
Average climate in San Jose, California
Average climate in Boise, Idaho
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
San Jose
Boise
San Jose
Boise
San Jose
Boise
San Jose
Boise
San Jose
Boise
San Jose
Boise
San Jose
Boise
2018
94
89
0.49
0.63
14.5
N/A
22.2
27.2
0.006
N/A
21.3
N/A
12.5
8.0
0.2
0.3
2017
91
107
0.50
0.43
14.6
N/A
23.5
28.0
0.004
N/A
23.2
N/A
10.2
10.3
0.2
0.3
2016
69
85
0.47
0.39
13.7
N/A
22.4
25.5
0.003
N/A
21.6
N/A
8.8
6.0
0.2
0.7
2015
84
93
0.52
0.50
15.4
N/A
22.3
24.7
0.004
N/A
24.7
N/A
9.2
6.9
0.3
0.6
2014
83
49
0.40
0.39
13.9
N/A
21.5
24.7
0.004
N/A
20.1
N/A
8.2
N/A
0.2
0.7
2013
90
58
0.41
0.35
15.2
N/A
20.8
24.3
0.005
N/A
25.6
N/A
12.4
N/A
0.3
2.6
2012
74
89
0.35
0.39
13.3
N/A
21.8
27.0
0.003
N/A
26.4
N/A
10.1
N/A
0.3
1.2
2011
83
67
0.37
0.35
14.8
N/A
20.6
31.1
0.003
N/A
20.5
N/A
12.3
N/A
0.3
0.9
2010
88
81
0.35
0.40
14.4
9.0
20.4
26.7
0.004
N/A
18.8
N/A
9.0
12.8
0.4
0.3
2009
89
75
0.40
0.62
14.7
9.8
18.2
27.2
0.004
N/A
21.5
N/A
9.3
6.1
0.3
0.3
2008
100
82
0.45
0.67
16.7
N/A
20.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
22.7
N/A
12.6
9.3
N/A
N/A
2007
92
105
0.44
0.55
16.6
N/A
20.0
N/A
0.009
N/A
24.2
N/A
11.1
11.2
N/A
N/A
2006
100
96
0.46
0.64
18.0
N/A
21.8
N/A
N/A
N/A
23.9
N/A
11.1
8.7
N/A
N/A
2005
95
92
0.68
0.81
18.6
N/A
20.0
N/A
N/A
N/A
21.7
N/A
11.6
8.1
N/A
N/A
2004
98
89
0.63
0.89
18.5
N/A
20.4
31.7
N/A
N/A
23.3
N/A
9.9
7.2
N/A
N/A
2003
87
72
0.73
1.02
20.6
N/A
19.1
28.4
N/A
N/A
27.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
2002
78
78
0.65
1.04
19.5
N/A
18.0
32.2
0.006
N/A
30.7
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
2001
75
75
0.61
1.06
18.5
N/A
16.8
N/A
0.008
N/A
30.7
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
2000
65
59
0.66
1.05
18.9
18.3
15.6
N/A
0.009
N/A
28.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Natural disasters
Type
San Jose
Boise
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
9%
5.8%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
7,785.3%
2,314.9%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
19%
5%
Transportation
San Jose has a well-developed public transportation system including buses, light rail, and Bart. Commuting can be a challenge due to high traffic. Boise's public transit is not as comprehensive, but traffic is typically much lighter making commuting easier by car.
Transport
Type
San Jose
Boise
Amtrak stations
1
1
Amtrak stations nearby
3
2
FAA registered aircraft
553
737
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
13
19
Means of transportation to work
Type
San Jose
Boise
Bicycle
1%
2.5%
Bus
1.1%
0.2%
Carpooled
11.4%
5.4%
Car alone
80.5%
89.1%
Motorcycle
0.2%
0.1%
Railroad
0.2%
0%
Subway
0.2%
0%
Walked
3.3%
1.5%
Average travel time to work
Type
San Jose
Boise
Average
29.2 min
23.5 min
Other means
27.9 min
18.9 min
Public transportation
48.5 min
36 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
San Jose
Boise
Average
1.2
1.1
Drove alone
87.3%
91.9%
In 2 person carpool
8.9%
6.7%
In 3 person carpool
1.9%
1%
In 4 person carpool
1.1%
0.2%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.6%
0.2%
In 7+ person carpool
0.2%
0.1%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
San Jose's real estate market is significantly higher priced than Boise's. The median home price in San Jose is well over a million dollars, compared to Boise's more reasonable average of about $400,000.
Neighborhoods
San Jose's neighborhoods cater to various lifestyles, from the vibrant Downtown for young professionals to the family-friendly Willow Glen. Boise's North End is popular for its historic homes and Hyde Park, while the Downtown area offers a more urban lifestyle.
Houses and residents
Type
San Jose
Boise
Houses
340,561
104,110
Average household size (people)
3.1
2.4
Median year apartment built
1979
1985
Median year house/condo built
1973
1983
Length of stay in the house since moving in
15.6 years
11.2 years
Houses occupied
322,881 (94.8%)
99,250 (95.3%)
Houses occupied by owners
179,797 (55.7%)
62,684 (63.2%)
Houses occupied by renters
143,084 (44.3%)
36,566 (36.8%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$3,214
$965.22
Median monthly housing costs
$2,463
$1,184
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$1,197,016
$290,076
Estimated median house or condo value
Over $1,000,000
$460,200
Median numbers of rooms
4.9
5.4
Median number of rooms in apartments
3.6
4
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6
6.4
Median house price - detached houses
Over $1,000,000
$511,096
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$753,788
$444,814
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$680,453
Over $1,000,000
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$688,625
$369,189
Median house price - mobile homes
$240,963
$79,284
Median house price - occupied boats, rvs, vans etc.
$55,872
$34,120
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$892,629
$421,814
Median house price - All housing units
Over $1,000,000
$486,650
Median house age
45
38
Renting percentage
41.5%
38.9%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
1,947.6
1,632.4
House value disparities
21.2%
27.1%
Household income disparities
38.3%
43.3%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$197,583
$101,590
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$103,711
$62,286
Housing units without a mortgage
2,632 (2.1%)
1,657 (3.8%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
13,499 (10.6%)
4,888 (11.2%)
Housing units with a mortgage
124,224 (97.9%)
41,976 (96.2%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
346 (0.3%)
51 (0.1%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
16,249 (12.8%)
5,293 (12.1%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
14
8
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
3
1
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
1.2%
2%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
0.6%
0.5%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
San Jose
Boise
One, detached
50.9%
63.8%
One, attached
11.5%
7.2%
Two
1.1%
2.0%
3 or 4
5.0%
6.5%
5 to 9
5.1%
4.2%
10 to 19
4.5%
5.4%
20 to 49
4.5%
3.7%
50 or more
14.2%
3.7%
Mobile homes
3.1%
3.4%
Boats, RVs, vans, etc.
0.1%
0.0%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
28,517
9,168
State government workers
10,222
8,189
Unpaid family workers
472
172
Industries and Occupations
In San Jose, the tech industry dominates with many opportunities in software development, IT, and engineering. In Boise, the most prominent industries are healthcare, education, and tech, with growing opportunities in software development and IT roles.
San Jose has exceptional healthcare facilities like the Stanford Health Care. Boise also provides excellent healthcare with St. Luke’s Boise Medical Center and Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center being top facilities.
Health (county statistics)
Type
San Jose
Boise
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
San Jose offers robust infrastructure with several high-speed internet options, advanced public transportation systems, and well-maintained roads. Boise's infrastructure, while not as developed as San Jose, is steadily improving as the city grows.
Infrastructure
Type
San Jose
Boise
Hospitals
20
15
TV stations
9
18
Arenas or stadiums
2
1
Bank branches located here
145
96
Bank institutions located here
25
21
Main business address for public companies
74
6
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
21
7
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
San Jose
Boise
1999
3,839
984
2000
2,577
639
2001
1,953
423
2002
1,908
374
2003
3,578
525
2004
5,489
624
2005
6,994
1,209
2006
6,324
1,081
2007
4,298
628
2008
2,419
283
2009
1,631
146
Culture and Food
San Jose has a diverse culture with a rich history, evidenced by its wide array of global cuisines, various festivals, and cultural events. Boise has a smaller but growing food scene, focusing on farm-to-table dining, and a strong sense of community.
Sports Teams
The San Jose area is home to several professional sports teams including the San Jose Sharks (NHL) and San Jose Earthquakes (MLS) and is in close proximity to teams like the 49ers (NFL) and Golden State Warriors (NBA). Boise does not have any major league sports teams, but it is home to the Boise Hawks minor league baseball team and Idaho Steelheads minor league hockey team.
San Jose, CA and 
Boise, ID : 526.8 miles
San Jose, CA and 
Boise, ID : 526.8 miles
