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

Meridian

Idaho
131
VS

Murrieta

California
175

Meridian is 25% cheaper than Murrieta.

$1,714/mo ↓ 26%
Median Rent
$2,330/mo ↑ 36%
$98,686/yr ↓ 10%
Median Income
$109,780/yr ↑ 11%
$485,000 ↓ 20%
Home Value
$606,900 ↑ 25%
$1,607/mo ↓ 32%
Owner Costs
$2,380/mo ↑ 48%
124,865
Population
111,621

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
25.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Meridian, ID and Murrieta, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 131 and 175 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $616/month cheaper in Meridian, saving renters about $7,392/year.

Median household income is $11,094/year higher in Murrieta. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Meridian is $485,000 compared to $606,900 in Murrieta.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Meridian vs Murrieta — common questions

Is Meridian or Murrieta cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Meridian is cheaper to live in with an index of 131 compared to 175 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Meridian and Murrieta?
Median rent in Meridian is $1,714/month and in Murrieta it's $2,330/month — a difference of $616/month.
Which city has higher income, Meridian or Murrieta?
Median household income is $98,686 in Meridian and $109,780 in Murrieta. Median household income is $11,094/year higher in Murrieta.
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 Murrieta?
It depends on your priorities. Meridian has a cost index of 131 with median rent of $1,714/mo, while Murrieta has a cost index of 175 with rent of $2,330/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Meridian details → View Murrieta details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Meridian and Murrieta

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