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

Meridian

Idaho
131
VS

Downey

California
169

Meridian is 22% cheaper than Downey.

$1,714/mo ↓ 9%
Median Rent
$1,892/mo ↑ 10%
$98,686/yr ↑ 13%
Median Income
$87,400/yr ↓ 11%
$485,000 ↓ 33%
Home Value
$728,500 ↑ 50%
$1,607/mo ↓ 20%
Owner Costs
$1,997/mo ↑ 24%
124,865
Population
111,793

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
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Meridian, ID and Downey, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 131 and 169 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $178/month cheaper in Meridian, saving renters about $2,136/year.

Median household income is $11,286/year higher in Meridian. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Meridian is $485,000 compared to $728,500 in Downey.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Meridian vs Downey — common questions

Is Meridian or Downey 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 Meridian and Downey?
Median rent in Meridian is $1,714/month and in Downey it's $1,892/month — a difference of $178/month.
Which city has higher income, Meridian or Downey?
Median household income is $98,686 in Meridian and $87,400 in Downey. Median household income is $11,286/year higher in Meridian.
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 Downey?
It depends on your priorities. Meridian has a cost index of 131 with median rent of $1,714/mo, while Downey has a cost index of 169 with rent of $1,892/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Meridian details → View Downey details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Meridian and Downey

Meridian vs. Palm Bay Meridian vs. Vallejo Meridian vs. Allentown Meridian vs. Round Rock Meridian vs. Thousand Oaks Meridian vs. Concord Downey vs. Peoria Downey vs. Murrieta Downey vs. Pompano Beach Downey vs. Pueblo Downey vs. Lansing Downey vs. Miami Gardens