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

Meridian

Idaho
131
VS

Ventura

California
183

Meridian is 28% cheaper than Ventura.

$1,714/mo ↓ 18%
Median Rent
$2,101/mo ↑ 23%
$98,686/yr ↓ 2%
Median Income
$100,407/yr ↑ 2%
$485,000 ↓ 38%
Home Value
$778,700 ↑ 61%
$1,607/mo ↓ 24%
Owner Costs
$2,118/mo ↑ 32%
124,865
Population
109,900

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 Ventura, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 131 and 183 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $387/month cheaper in Meridian, saving renters about $4,644/year.

Median household income is $1,721/year higher in Ventura. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Meridian is $485,000 compared to $778,700 in Ventura.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Meridian vs Ventura — common questions

Is Meridian or Ventura cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Meridian is cheaper to live in with an index of 131 compared to 183 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Meridian and Ventura?
Median rent in Meridian is $1,714/month and in Ventura it's $2,101/month — a difference of $387/month.
Which city has higher income, Meridian or Ventura?
Median household income is $98,686 in Meridian and $100,407 in Ventura. Median household income is $1,721/year higher in Ventura.
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 Ventura?
It depends on your priorities. Meridian has a cost index of 131 with median rent of $1,714/mo, while Ventura has a cost index of 183 with rent of $2,101/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Meridian details → View Ventura details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Meridian and Ventura

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