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

Glendale

California
214
VS

Meridian

Idaho
131

Glendale is 63% more expensive than Meridian.

$2,095/mo ↑ 22%
Median Rent
$1,714/mo ↓ 18%
$84,262/yr ↓ 15%
Median Income
$98,686/yr ↑ 17%
$1,043,900 ↑ 115%
Home Value
$485,000 ↓ 54%
$2,212/mo ↑ 38%
Owner Costs
$1,607/mo ↓ 27%
192,270
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

29.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Glendale, CA and Meridian, ID, the overall cost of living indices are 214 and 131 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $381/month cheaper in Meridian, saving renters about $4,572/year.

Median household income is $14,424/year higher in Meridian. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Glendale is $1,043,900 compared to $485,000 in Meridian.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Glendale vs Meridian — common questions

Is Glendale or Meridian cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Meridian is cheaper to live in with an index of 131 compared to 214 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Glendale and Meridian?
Median rent in Glendale is $2,095/month and in Meridian it's $1,714/month — a difference of $381/month.
Which city has higher income, Glendale or Meridian?
Median household income is $84,262 in Glendale and $98,686 in Meridian. Median household income is $14,424/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 Glendale or Meridian?
It depends on your priorities. Glendale has a cost index of 214 with median rent of $2,095/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 Glendale details → View Meridian details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Glendale and Meridian

Glendale vs. Vancouver Glendale vs. Providence Glendale vs. Knoxville Glendale vs. Akron Glendale vs. Peoria Glendale vs. Brownsville Meridian vs. Palm Bay Meridian vs. Vallejo Meridian vs. Allentown Meridian vs. Round Rock Meridian vs. Thousand Oaks Meridian vs. Concord