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

Meridian

Idaho
131
VS

Berkeley

California
251

Meridian is 48% cheaper than Berkeley.

$1,714/mo ↓ 19%
Median Rent
$2,127/mo ↑ 24%
$98,686/yr ↓ 9%
Median Income
$108,558/yr ↑ 10%
$485,000 ↓ 64%
Home Value
$1,351,100 ↑ 179%
$1,607/mo ↓ 31%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 46%
124,865
Population
120,223

Tax Comparison

5.8%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.63%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

20.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Meridian, ID and Berkeley, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 131 and 251 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $413/month cheaper in Meridian, saving renters about $4,956/year.

Median household income is $9,872/year higher in Berkeley. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Meridian is $485,000 compared to $1,351,100 in Berkeley.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Meridian vs Berkeley — common questions

Is Meridian or Berkeley cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Meridian is cheaper to live in with an index of 131 compared to 251 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Meridian and Berkeley?
Median rent in Meridian is $1,714/month and in Berkeley it's $2,127/month — a difference of $413/month.
Which city has higher income, Meridian or Berkeley?
Median household income is $98,686 in Meridian and $108,558 in Berkeley. Median household income is $9,872/year higher in Berkeley.
How do taxes compare between Idaho and California?
Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Meridian or Berkeley?
It depends on your priorities. Meridian has a cost index of 131 with median rent of $1,714/mo, while Berkeley has a cost index of 251 with rent of $2,127/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Meridian details → View Berkeley details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Meridian and Berkeley

Meridian vs. Palm Bay Meridian vs. Vallejo Meridian vs. Allentown Meridian vs. Round Rock Meridian vs. Thousand Oaks Meridian vs. Concord Berkeley vs. Ann Arbor Berkeley vs. Fairfield Berkeley vs. Lafayette Berkeley vs. Hartford Berkeley vs. Rochester Berkeley vs. West Palm Beach