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

Meridian

Idaho
131
VS

East Los Angeles

California
134

Meridian is 2% cheaper than East Los Angeles.

$1,714/mo ↑ 20%
Median Rent
$1,431/mo ↓ 17%
$98,686/yr ↑ 44%
Median Income
$68,378/yr ↓ 31%
$485,000 ↓ 21%
Home Value
$613,600 ↑ 27%
$1,607/mo ↑ 10%
Owner Costs
$1,458/mo ↓ 9%
124,865
Population
114,617

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
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Meridian, ID and East Los Angeles, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 131 and 134 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $283/month cheaper in East Los Angeles, saving renters about $3,396/year.

Median household income is $30,308/year higher in Meridian. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Meridian is $485,000 compared to $613,600 in East Los Angeles.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Meridian vs East Los Angeles — common questions

Is Meridian or East Los Angeles cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Meridian is cheaper to live in with an index of 131 compared to 134 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Meridian and East Los Angeles?
Median rent in Meridian is $1,714/month and in East Los Angeles it's $1,431/month — a difference of $283/month.
Which city has higher income, Meridian or East Los Angeles?
Median household income is $98,686 in Meridian and $68,378 in East Los Angeles. Median household income is $30,308/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 East Los Angeles?
It depends on your priorities. Meridian has a cost index of 131 with median rent of $1,714/mo, while East Los Angeles has a cost index of 134 with rent of $1,431/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Meridian details → View East Los Angeles details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Meridian and East Los Angeles

Meridian vs. Palm Bay Meridian vs. Vallejo Meridian vs. Allentown Meridian vs. Round Rock Meridian vs. Thousand Oaks Meridian vs. Concord East Los Angeles vs. Lowell East Los Angeles vs. Carlsbad East Los Angeles vs. League City East Los Angeles vs. Waterbury East Los Angeles vs. High Point East Los Angeles vs. Provo