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

Chula Vista

California
178
VS

Meridian

Idaho
131

Chula Vista is 36% more expensive than Meridian.

$2,122/mo ↑ 24%
Median Rent
$1,714/mo ↓ 19%
$105,173/yr ↑ 7%
Median Income
$98,686/yr ↓ 6%
$697,400 ↑ 44%
Home Value
$485,000 ↓ 30%
$2,342/mo ↑ 46%
Owner Costs
$1,607/mo ↓ 31%
275,030
Population
124,865

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

24.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chula Vista, CA and Meridian, ID, the overall cost of living indices are 178 and 131 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $408/month cheaper in Meridian, saving renters about $4,896/year.

Median household income is $6,487/year higher in Chula Vista. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chula Vista is $697,400 compared to $485,000 in Meridian.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Chula Vista vs Meridian — common questions

Is Chula Vista or Meridian cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Meridian is cheaper to live in with an index of 131 compared to 178 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chula Vista and Meridian?
Median rent in Chula Vista is $2,122/month and in Meridian it's $1,714/month — a difference of $408/month.
Which city has higher income, Chula Vista or Meridian?
Median household income is $105,173 in Chula Vista and $98,686 in Meridian. Median household income is $6,487/year higher in Chula Vista.
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 Chula Vista or Meridian?
It depends on your priorities. Chula Vista has a cost index of 178 with median rent of $2,122/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 Chula Vista details → View Meridian details →

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