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

Rancho Cucamonga

California
182
VS

Meridian

Idaho
131

Rancho Cucamonga is 39% more expensive than Meridian.

$2,286/mo ↑ 33%
Median Rent
$1,714/mo ↓ 25%
$109,511/yr ↑ 11%
Median Income
$98,686/yr ↓ 10%
$694,400 ↑ 43%
Home Value
$485,000 ↓ 30%
$2,324/mo ↑ 45%
Owner Costs
$1,607/mo ↓ 31%
174,693
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

25.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Rancho Cucamonga, CA and Meridian, ID, the overall cost of living indices are 182 and 131 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $572/month cheaper in Meridian, saving renters about $6,864/year.

Median household income is $10,825/year higher in Rancho Cucamonga. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Rancho Cucamonga is $694,400 compared to $485,000 in Meridian.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Rancho Cucamonga vs Meridian — common questions

Is Rancho Cucamonga or Meridian cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Meridian is cheaper to live in with an index of 131 compared to 182 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Rancho Cucamonga and Meridian?
Median rent in Rancho Cucamonga is $2,286/month and in Meridian it's $1,714/month — a difference of $572/month.
Which city has higher income, Rancho Cucamonga or Meridian?
Median household income is $109,511 in Rancho Cucamonga and $98,686 in Meridian. Median household income is $10,825/year higher in Rancho Cucamonga.
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 Rancho Cucamonga or Meridian?
It depends on your priorities. Rancho Cucamonga has a cost index of 182 with median rent of $2,286/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 Rancho Cucamonga details → View Meridian details →

More Comparisons

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