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

Irvine

California
256
VS

Meridian

Idaho
131

Irvine is 95% more expensive than Meridian.

$2,893/mo ↑ 69%
Median Rent
$1,714/mo ↓ 41%
$129,647/yr ↑ 31%
Median Income
$98,686/yr ↓ 24%
$1,115,400 ↑ 130%
Home Value
$485,000 ↓ 57%
$2,904/mo ↑ 81%
Owner Costs
$1,607/mo ↓ 45%
308,160
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

26.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Irvine, CA and Meridian, ID, the overall cost of living indices are 256 and 131 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,179/month cheaper in Meridian, saving renters about $14,148/year.

Median household income is $30,961/year higher in Irvine. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Irvine is $1,115,400 compared to $485,000 in Meridian.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Irvine vs Meridian — common questions

Is Irvine or Meridian cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Meridian is cheaper to live in with an index of 131 compared to 256 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Irvine and Meridian?
Median rent in Irvine is $2,893/month and in Meridian it's $1,714/month — a difference of $1,179/month.
Which city has higher income, Irvine or Meridian?
Median household income is $129,647 in Irvine and $98,686 in Meridian. Median household income is $30,961/year higher in Irvine.
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 Irvine or Meridian?
It depends on your priorities. Irvine has a cost index of 256 with median rent of $2,893/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 Irvine details → View Meridian details →

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