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

Meridian

Idaho
131
VS

Temecula

California
179

Meridian is 27% cheaper than Temecula.

$1,714/mo ↓ 25%
Median Rent
$2,297/mo ↑ 34%
$98,686/yr ↓ 16%
Median Income
$117,840/yr ↑ 19%
$485,000 ↓ 24%
Home Value
$640,400 ↑ 32%
$1,607/mo ↓ 34%
Owner Costs
$2,435/mo ↑ 52%
124,865
Population
110,404

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
23.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Meridian, ID and Temecula, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 131 and 179 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $583/month cheaper in Meridian, saving renters about $6,996/year.

Median household income is $19,154/year higher in Temecula. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Meridian is $485,000 compared to $640,400 in Temecula.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Meridian vs Temecula — common questions

Is Meridian or Temecula cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Meridian is cheaper to live in with an index of 131 compared to 179 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Meridian and Temecula?
Median rent in Meridian is $1,714/month and in Temecula it's $2,297/month — a difference of $583/month.
Which city has higher income, Meridian or Temecula?
Median household income is $98,686 in Meridian and $117,840 in Temecula. Median household income is $19,154/year higher in Temecula.
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 Temecula?
It depends on your priorities. Meridian has a cost index of 131 with median rent of $1,714/mo, while Temecula has a cost index of 179 with rent of $2,297/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Meridian details → View Temecula details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Meridian and Temecula

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