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

Pasadena

California
220
VS

Meridian

Idaho
131

Pasadena is 68% more expensive than Meridian.

$2,218/mo ↑ 29%
Median Rent
$1,714/mo ↓ 23%
$103,778/yr ↑ 5%
Median Income
$98,686/yr ↓ 5%
$1,045,000 ↑ 115%
Home Value
$485,000 ↓ 54%
$2,340/mo ↑ 46%
Owner Costs
$1,607/mo ↓ 31%
136,462
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

25.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Pasadena, CA and Meridian, ID, the overall cost of living indices are 220 and 131 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $504/month cheaper in Meridian, saving renters about $6,048/year.

Median household income is $5,092/year higher in Pasadena. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Pasadena is $1,045,000 compared to $485,000 in Meridian.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Pasadena vs Meridian — common questions

Is Pasadena or Meridian cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Meridian is cheaper to live in with an index of 131 compared to 220 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Pasadena and Meridian?
Median rent in Pasadena is $2,218/month and in Meridian it's $1,714/month — a difference of $504/month.
Which city has higher income, Pasadena or Meridian?
Median household income is $103,778 in Pasadena and $98,686 in Meridian. Median household income is $5,092/year higher in Pasadena.
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 Pasadena or Meridian?
It depends on your priorities. Pasadena has a cost index of 220 with median rent of $2,218/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 Pasadena details → View Meridian details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Pasadena and Meridian

Pasadena vs. Dayton Pasadena vs. Miramar Pasadena vs. Cedar Rapids Pasadena vs. Victorville Pasadena vs. Hampton Pasadena vs. Elizabeth Meridian vs. Palm Bay Meridian vs. Vallejo Meridian vs. Allentown Meridian vs. Round Rock Meridian vs. Thousand Oaks Meridian vs. Concord