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

Fresno

California
101
VS

Meridian

Idaho
131

Fresno is 23% cheaper than Meridian.

$1,324/mo ↓ 23%
Median Rent
$1,714/mo ↑ 29%
$66,804/yr ↓ 32%
Median Income
$98,686/yr ↑ 48%
$348,500 ↓ 28%
Home Value
$485,000 ↑ 39%
$1,391/mo ↓ 13%
Owner Costs
$1,607/mo ↑ 16%
543,615
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

23.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fresno, CA and Meridian, ID, the overall cost of living indices are 101 and 131 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $390/month cheaper in Fresno, saving renters about $4,680/year.

Median household income is $31,882/year higher in Meridian. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fresno is $348,500 compared to $485,000 in Meridian.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fresno vs Meridian — common questions

Is Fresno or Meridian cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fresno is cheaper to live in with an index of 101 compared to 131 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fresno and Meridian?
Median rent in Fresno is $1,324/month and in Meridian it's $1,714/month — a difference of $390/month.
Which city has higher income, Fresno or Meridian?
Median household income is $66,804 in Fresno and $98,686 in Meridian. Median household income is $31,882/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 Fresno or Meridian?
It depends on your priorities. Fresno has a cost index of 101 with median rent of $1,324/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 Fresno details → View Meridian details →

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