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

Long Beach

California
169
VS

Meridian

Idaho
131

Long Beach is 29% more expensive than Meridian.

$1,803/mo ↑ 5%
Median Rent
$1,714/mo ↓ 5%
$83,969/yr ↓ 15%
Median Income
$98,686/yr ↑ 18%
$762,200 ↑ 57%
Home Value
$485,000 ↓ 36%
$1,890/mo ↑ 18%
Owner Costs
$1,607/mo ↓ 15%
458,491
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

25.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Long Beach, CA and Meridian, ID, the overall cost of living indices are 169 and 131 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $89/month cheaper in Meridian, saving renters about $1,068/year.

Median household income is $14,717/year higher in Meridian. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Long Beach is $762,200 compared to $485,000 in Meridian.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Long Beach vs Meridian — common questions

Is Long 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 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Long Beach and Meridian?
Median rent in Long Beach is $1,803/month and in Meridian it's $1,714/month — a difference of $89/month.
Which city has higher income, Long Beach or Meridian?
Median household income is $83,969 in Long Beach and $98,686 in Meridian. Median household income is $14,717/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 Long Beach or Meridian?
It depends on your priorities. Long Beach has a cost index of 169 with median rent of $1,803/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 Long Beach details → View Meridian details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Long Beach and Meridian

Long Beach vs. Raleigh Long Beach vs. Virginia Beach Long Beach vs. Colorado Springs Long Beach vs. Miami Long Beach vs. Omaha Long Beach vs. Oakland Meridian vs. Palm Bay Meridian vs. Vallejo Meridian vs. Allentown Meridian vs. Round Rock Meridian vs. Thousand Oaks Meridian vs. Concord