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

Orange

California
206
VS

Meridian

Idaho
131

Orange is 57% more expensive than Meridian.

$2,252/mo ↑ 31%
Median Rent
$1,714/mo ↓ 24%
$116,945/yr ↑ 19%
Median Income
$98,686/yr ↓ 16%
$900,700 ↑ 86%
Home Value
$485,000 ↓ 46%
$2,394/mo ↑ 49%
Owner Costs
$1,607/mo ↓ 33%
138,723
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

23.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Orange, CA and Meridian, ID, the overall cost of living indices are 206 and 131 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $538/month cheaper in Meridian, saving renters about $6,456/year.

Median household income is $18,259/year higher in Orange. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Orange is $900,700 compared to $485,000 in Meridian.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Orange vs Meridian — common questions

Is Orange or Meridian cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Meridian is cheaper to live in with an index of 131 compared to 206 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Orange and Meridian?
Median rent in Orange is $2,252/month and in Meridian it's $1,714/month — a difference of $538/month.
Which city has higher income, Orange or Meridian?
Median household income is $116,945 in Orange and $98,686 in Meridian. Median household income is $18,259/year higher in Orange.
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 Orange or Meridian?
It depends on your priorities. Orange has a cost index of 206 with median rent of $2,252/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 Orange details → View Meridian details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Orange and Meridian

Orange vs. Metairie Orange vs. Warren Orange vs. Fullerton Orange vs. Columbia Orange vs. Waco Orange vs. West Valley City Meridian vs. Palm Bay Meridian vs. Vallejo Meridian vs. Allentown Meridian vs. Round Rock Meridian vs. Thousand Oaks Meridian vs. Concord