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

Meridian

Idaho
131
VS

Concord

California
187

Meridian is 56% cheaper than Concord.

$1,714/mo ↓ 23%
Median Rent
$2,226/mo ↑ 30%
$98,686/yr ↓ 10%
Median Income
$109,195/yr ↑ 11%
$485,000 ↓ 36%
Home Value
$755,900 ↑ 56%
$1,607/mo ↓ 30%
Owner Costs
$2,284/mo ↑ 42%
124,865
Population
124,260

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

20.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Meridian, ID and Concord, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 131 and 187 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $512/month cheaper in Meridian, saving renters about $6,144/year.

Median household income is $10,509/year higher in Concord. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Meridian is $485,000 compared to $755,900 in Concord.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Meridian vs Concord — common questions

Is Meridian or Concord 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 Meridian and Concord?
Median rent in Meridian is $1,714/month and in Concord it's $2,226/month — a difference of $512/month.
Which city has higher income, Meridian or Concord?
Median household income is $98,686 in Meridian and $109,195 in Concord. Median household income is $10,509/year higher in Concord.
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 Concord?
It depends on your priorities. Meridian has a cost index of 131 with median rent of $1,714/mo, while Concord has a cost index of 187 with rent of $2,226/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Meridian details → View Concord details →