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

Los Angeles

California
187
VS

Meridian

Idaho
131

Los Angeles is 43% more expensive than Meridian.

$1,879/mo ↑ 10%
Median Rent
$1,714/mo ↓ 9%
$80,366/yr ↓ 19%
Median Income
$98,686/yr ↑ 23%
$879,500 ↑ 81%
Home Value
$485,000 ↓ 45%
$2,055/mo ↑ 28%
Owner Costs
$1,607/mo ↓ 22%
3,857,897
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

28.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Los Angeles, CA and Meridian, ID, the overall cost of living indices are 187 and 131 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $165/month cheaper in Meridian, saving renters about $1,980/year.

Median household income is $18,320/year higher in Meridian. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Los Angeles is $879,500 compared to $485,000 in Meridian.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Los Angeles vs Meridian — common questions

Is Los Angeles or Meridian cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Meridian is cheaper to live in with an index of 131 compared to 187 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Los Angeles and Meridian?
Median rent in Los Angeles is $1,879/month and in Meridian it's $1,714/month — a difference of $165/month.
Which city has higher income, Los Angeles or Meridian?
Median household income is $80,366 in Los Angeles and $98,686 in Meridian. Median household income is $18,320/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 Los Angeles or Meridian?
It depends on your priorities. Los Angeles has a cost index of 187 with median rent of $1,879/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 Los Angeles details → View Meridian details →

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