Cost of Living: Anaheim, CA vs Meridian, ID (2026)

Anaheim

California
182
VS

Meridian

Idaho
131

Anaheim is 51% more expensive than Meridian.

$2,082/mo ↑ 21%
Median Rent
$1,714/mo ↓ 18%
$90,583/yr ↓ 8%
Median Income
$98,686/yr ↑ 9%
$771,700 ↑ 59%
Home Value
$485,000 ↓ 37%
$2,165/mo ↑ 35%
Owner Costs
$1,607/mo ↓ 26%
344,553
Population
124,865

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
5.8%
7.25%
Sales Tax
6.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.63%

Affordability

27.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Anaheim, CA and Meridian, ID, the overall cost of living indices are 182 and 131 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $368/month cheaper in Meridian, saving renters about $4,416/year.

Median household income is $8,103/year higher in Meridian. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Anaheim is $771,700 compared to $485,000 in Meridian.

Idaho has a lower income tax rate, making Meridian slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Anaheim vs Meridian — common questions

Is Anaheim or Meridian cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Meridian is cheaper to live in with an index of 131 compared to 182 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Anaheim and Meridian?
Median rent in Anaheim is $2,082/month and in Meridian it's $1,714/month — a difference of $368/month.
Which city has higher income, Anaheim or Meridian?
Median household income is $90,583 in Anaheim and $98,686 in Meridian. Median household income is $8,103/year higher in Meridian.
How do taxes compare between California and Idaho?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax.
Should I move to Anaheim or Meridian?
It depends on your priorities. Anaheim has a cost index of 182 with median rent of $2,082/mo, while Meridian has a cost index of 131 with rent of $1,714/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Anaheim details → View Meridian details →