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

Meridian

Idaho
131
VS

Costa Mesa

California
228

Meridian is 43% cheaper than Costa Mesa.

$1,714/mo ↓ 28%
Median Rent
$2,395/mo ↑ 40%
$98,686/yr ↓ 10%
Median Income
$110,073/yr ↑ 12%
$485,000 ↓ 54%
Home Value
$1,054,700 ↑ 117%
$1,607/mo ↓ 35%
Owner Costs
$2,462/mo ↑ 53%
124,865
Population
110,538

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
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Meridian, ID and Costa Mesa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 131 and 228 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $681/month cheaper in Meridian, saving renters about $8,172/year.

Median household income is $11,387/year higher in Costa Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Meridian is $485,000 compared to $1,054,700 in Costa Mesa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Meridian vs Costa Mesa — common questions

Is Meridian or Costa Mesa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Meridian is cheaper to live in with an index of 131 compared to 228 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Meridian and Costa Mesa?
Median rent in Meridian is $1,714/month and in Costa Mesa it's $2,395/month — a difference of $681/month.
Which city has higher income, Meridian or Costa Mesa?
Median household income is $98,686 in Meridian and $110,073 in Costa Mesa. Median household income is $11,387/year higher in Costa Mesa.
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 Costa Mesa?
It depends on your priorities. Meridian has a cost index of 131 with median rent of $1,714/mo, while Costa Mesa has a cost index of 228 with rent of $2,395/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Meridian details → View Costa Mesa details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Meridian and Costa Mesa

Meridian vs. Palm Bay Meridian vs. Vallejo Meridian vs. Allentown Meridian vs. Round Rock Meridian vs. Thousand Oaks Meridian vs. Concord Costa Mesa vs. Everett Costa Mesa vs. Temecula Costa Mesa vs. Miami Gardens Costa Mesa vs. Ventura Costa Mesa vs. Pueblo Costa Mesa vs. Santa Maria