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

Huntington Beach

California
227
VS

Meridian

Idaho
131

Huntington Beach is 73% more expensive than Meridian.

$2,424/mo ↑ 41%
Median Rent
$1,714/mo ↓ 29%
$119,885/yr ↑ 21%
Median Income
$98,686/yr ↓ 18%
$1,047,300 ↑ 116%
Home Value
$485,000 ↓ 54%
$2,436/mo ↑ 52%
Owner Costs
$1,607/mo ↓ 34%
196,010
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

24.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Huntington Beach, CA and Meridian, ID, the overall cost of living indices are 227 and 131 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $710/month cheaper in Meridian, saving renters about $8,520/year.

Median household income is $21,199/year higher in Huntington Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Huntington Beach is $1,047,300 compared to $485,000 in Meridian.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Huntington Beach vs Meridian — common questions

Is Huntington Beach or Meridian cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Meridian is cheaper to live in with an index of 131 compared to 227 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Huntington Beach and Meridian?
Median rent in Huntington Beach is $2,424/month and in Meridian it's $1,714/month — a difference of $710/month.
Which city has higher income, Huntington Beach or Meridian?
Median household income is $119,885 in Huntington Beach and $98,686 in Meridian. Median household income is $21,199/year higher in Huntington Beach.
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 Huntington Beach or Meridian?
It depends on your priorities. Huntington Beach has a cost index of 227 with median rent of $2,424/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 Huntington Beach details → View Meridian details →

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