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

Fontana

California
146
VS

Meridian

Idaho
131

Fontana is 11% more expensive than Meridian.

$1,733/mo ↑ 1%
Median Rent
$1,714/mo ↓ 1%
$98,187/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$98,686/yr ≈ Same
$558,500 ↑ 15%
Home Value
$485,000 ↓ 13%
$1,990/mo ↑ 24%
Owner Costs
$1,607/mo ↓ 19%
211,921
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

21.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fontana, CA and Meridian, ID, the overall cost of living indices are 146 and 131 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $499/year higher in Meridian. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fontana is $558,500 compared to $485,000 in Meridian.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fontana vs Meridian — common questions

Is Fontana or Meridian cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Meridian is cheaper to live in with an index of 131 compared to 146 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fontana and Meridian?
Median rent in Fontana is $1,733/month and in Meridian it's $1,714/month — a difference of $19/month.
Which city has higher income, Fontana or Meridian?
Median household income is $98,187 in Fontana and $98,686 in Meridian. Median household income is $499/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 Fontana or Meridian?
It depends on your priorities. Fontana has a cost index of 146 with median rent of $1,733/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 Fontana details → View Meridian details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fontana and Meridian

Fontana vs. Des Moines Fontana vs. Moreno Valley Fontana vs. Modesto Fontana vs. Frisco Fontana vs. Huntsville Fontana vs. Rochester Meridian vs. Palm Bay Meridian vs. Vallejo Meridian vs. Allentown Meridian vs. Round Rock Meridian vs. Thousand Oaks Meridian vs. Concord