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

Fullerton

California
195
VS

Meridian

Idaho
131

Fullerton is 49% more expensive than Meridian.

$2,124/mo ↑ 24%
Median Rent
$1,714/mo ↓ 19%
$104,219/yr ↑ 6%
Median Income
$98,686/yr ↓ 5%
$859,600 ↑ 77%
Home Value
$485,000 ↓ 44%
$2,251/mo ↑ 40%
Owner Costs
$1,607/mo ↓ 29%
141,278
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

24.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fullerton, CA and Meridian, ID, the overall cost of living indices are 195 and 131 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $410/month cheaper in Meridian, saving renters about $4,920/year.

Median household income is $5,533/year higher in Fullerton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fullerton is $859,600 compared to $485,000 in Meridian.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fullerton vs Meridian — common questions

Is Fullerton or Meridian cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Meridian is cheaper to live in with an index of 131 compared to 195 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fullerton and Meridian?
Median rent in Fullerton is $2,124/month and in Meridian it's $1,714/month — a difference of $410/month.
Which city has higher income, Fullerton or Meridian?
Median household income is $104,219 in Fullerton and $98,686 in Meridian. Median household income is $5,533/year higher in Fullerton.
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 Fullerton or Meridian?
It depends on your priorities. Fullerton has a cost index of 195 with median rent of $2,124/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 Fullerton details → View Meridian details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fullerton and Meridian

Fullerton vs. Waco Fullerton vs. Metairie Fullerton vs. Visalia Fullerton vs. Orange Fullerton vs. Thornton Fullerton vs. Warren Meridian vs. Palm Bay Meridian vs. Vallejo Meridian vs. Allentown Meridian vs. Round Rock Meridian vs. Thousand Oaks Meridian vs. Concord