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

Oakland

California
195
VS

Meridian

Idaho
131

Oakland is 49% more expensive than Meridian.

$1,917/mo ↑ 12%
Median Rent
$1,714/mo ↓ 11%
$97,369/yr ↓ 1%
Median Income
$98,686/yr ↑ 1%
$924,700 ↑ 91%
Home Value
$485,000 ↓ 48%
$2,164/mo ↑ 35%
Owner Costs
$1,607/mo ↓ 26%
438,072
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

23.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Oakland, CA and Meridian, ID, the overall cost of living indices are 195 and 131 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $203/month cheaper in Meridian, saving renters about $2,436/year.

Median household income is $1,317/year higher in Meridian. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Oakland is $924,700 compared to $485,000 in Meridian.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Oakland vs Meridian — common questions

Is Oakland or Meridian cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Meridian is cheaper to live in with an index of 131 compared to 195 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Oakland and Meridian?
Median rent in Oakland is $1,917/month and in Meridian it's $1,714/month — a difference of $203/month.
Which city has higher income, Oakland or Meridian?
Median household income is $97,369 in Oakland and $98,686 in Meridian. Median household income is $1,317/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 Oakland or Meridian?
It depends on your priorities. Oakland has a cost index of 195 with median rent of $1,917/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 Oakland details → View Meridian details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Oakland and Meridian

Oakland vs. Miami Oakland vs. Minneapolis Oakland vs. Virginia Beach Oakland vs. Tulsa Oakland vs. Long Beach Oakland vs. Bakersfield Meridian vs. Palm Bay Meridian vs. Vallejo Meridian vs. Allentown Meridian vs. Round Rock Meridian vs. Thousand Oaks Meridian vs. Concord