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

Garden Grove

California
176
VS

Meridian

Idaho
131

Garden Grove is 34% more expensive than Meridian.

$1,971/mo ↑ 15%
Median Rent
$1,714/mo ↓ 13%
$90,166/yr ↓ 9%
Median Income
$98,686/yr ↑ 9%
$765,500 ↑ 58%
Home Value
$485,000 ↓ 37%
$2,016/mo ↑ 25%
Owner Costs
$1,607/mo ↓ 20%
170,603
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

26.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Garden Grove, CA and Meridian, ID, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 131 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $257/month cheaper in Meridian, saving renters about $3,084/year.

Median household income is $8,520/year higher in Meridian. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Garden Grove is $765,500 compared to $485,000 in Meridian.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Garden Grove vs Meridian — common questions

Is Garden Grove or Meridian cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Meridian is cheaper to live in with an index of 131 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Garden Grove and Meridian?
Median rent in Garden Grove is $1,971/month and in Meridian it's $1,714/month — a difference of $257/month.
Which city has higher income, Garden Grove or Meridian?
Median household income is $90,166 in Garden Grove and $98,686 in Meridian. Median household income is $8,520/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 Garden Grove or Meridian?
It depends on your priorities. Garden Grove has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $1,971/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 Garden Grove details → View Meridian details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Garden Grove and Meridian

Garden Grove vs. Clarksville Garden Grove vs. Pembroke Pines Garden Grove vs. Oceanside Garden Grove vs. Lancaster Garden Grove vs. Rancho Cucamonga Garden Grove vs. Fort Collins Meridian vs. Palm Bay Meridian vs. Vallejo Meridian vs. Allentown Meridian vs. Round Rock Meridian vs. Thousand Oaks Meridian vs. Concord