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

Modesto

California
120
VS

Meridian

Idaho
131

Modesto is 8% cheaper than Meridian.

$1,609/mo ↓ 6%
Median Rent
$1,714/mo ↑ 7%
$77,899/yr ↓ 21%
Median Income
$98,686/yr ↑ 27%
$415,600 ↓ 14%
Home Value
$485,000 ↑ 17%
$1,613/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,607/mo ≈ Same
218,614
Population
124,865

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
5.8%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.63%

Affordability

24.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Modesto, CA and Meridian, ID, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 131 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $105/month cheaper in Modesto, saving renters about $1,260/year.

Median household income is $20,787/year higher in Meridian. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Modesto is $415,600 compared to $485,000 in Meridian.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Modesto vs Meridian — common questions

Is Modesto or Meridian cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Modesto is cheaper to live in with an index of 120 compared to 131 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Modesto and Meridian?
Median rent in Modesto is $1,609/month and in Meridian it's $1,714/month — a difference of $105/month.
Which city has higher income, Modesto or Meridian?
Median household income is $77,899 in Modesto and $98,686 in Meridian. Median household income is $20,787/year higher in Meridian.
How do taxes compare between California and Idaho?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax.
Should I move to Modesto or Meridian?
It depends on your priorities. Modesto has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,609/mo, while Meridian has a cost index of 131 with rent of $1,714/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Modesto details → View Meridian details →

More Comparisons

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Modesto vs. Huntsville Modesto vs. Des Moines Modesto vs. Spring Valley Modesto vs. Fontana Modesto vs. Port St. Lucie Modesto vs. Moreno Valley Meridian vs. Palm Bay Meridian vs. Vallejo Meridian vs. Allentown Meridian vs. Round Rock Meridian vs. Thousand Oaks Meridian vs. Concord