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

Meridian

Idaho
131
VS

Fairfield

California
167

Meridian is 22% cheaper than Fairfield.

$1,714/mo ↓ 22%
Median Rent
$2,191/mo ↑ 28%
$98,686/yr ↓ 4%
Median Income
$102,321/yr ↑ 4%
$485,000 ↓ 18%
Home Value
$592,500 ↑ 22%
$1,607/mo ↓ 28%
Owner Costs
$2,226/mo ↑ 39%
124,865
Population
119,985

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
25.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Meridian, ID and Fairfield, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 131 and 167 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $477/month cheaper in Meridian, saving renters about $5,724/year.

Median household income is $3,635/year higher in Fairfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Meridian is $485,000 compared to $592,500 in Fairfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Meridian vs Fairfield — common questions

Is Meridian or Fairfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Meridian is cheaper to live in with an index of 131 compared to 167 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Meridian and Fairfield?
Median rent in Meridian is $1,714/month and in Fairfield it's $2,191/month — a difference of $477/month.
Which city has higher income, Meridian or Fairfield?
Median household income is $98,686 in Meridian and $102,321 in Fairfield. Median household income is $3,635/year higher in Fairfield.
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 Fairfield?
It depends on your priorities. Meridian has a cost index of 131 with median rent of $1,714/mo, while Fairfield has a cost index of 167 with rent of $2,191/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Meridian details → View Fairfield details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Meridian and Fairfield

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