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

Ontario

California
152
VS

Meridian

Idaho
131

Ontario is 16% more expensive than Meridian.

$1,916/mo ↑ 12%
Median Rent
$1,714/mo ↓ 11%
$82,806/yr ↓ 16%
Median Income
$98,686/yr ↑ 19%
$568,000 ↑ 17%
Home Value
$485,000 ↓ 15%
$1,967/mo ↑ 22%
Owner Costs
$1,607/mo ↓ 18%
178,347
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

27.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Ontario, CA and Meridian, ID, the overall cost of living indices are 152 and 131 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $202/month cheaper in Meridian, saving renters about $2,424/year.

Median household income is $15,880/year higher in Meridian. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Ontario is $568,000 compared to $485,000 in Meridian.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Ontario vs Meridian — common questions

Is Ontario or Meridian cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Meridian is cheaper to live in with an index of 131 compared to 152 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Ontario and Meridian?
Median rent in Ontario is $1,916/month and in Meridian it's $1,714/month — a difference of $202/month.
Which city has higher income, Ontario or Meridian?
Median household income is $82,806 in Ontario and $98,686 in Meridian. Median household income is $15,880/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 Ontario or Meridian?
It depends on your priorities. Ontario has a cost index of 152 with median rent of $1,916/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 Ontario details → View Meridian details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Ontario and Meridian

Ontario vs. Aurora Ontario vs. Eugene Ontario vs. Chattanooga Ontario vs. Elk Grove Ontario vs. Fort Lauderdale Ontario vs. Santa Rosa Meridian vs. Palm Bay Meridian vs. Vallejo Meridian vs. Allentown Meridian vs. Round Rock Meridian vs. Thousand Oaks Meridian vs. Concord