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

Sacramento

California
132
VS

Meridian

Idaho
131

Sacramento and Meridian have a similar cost of living.

$1,694/mo ↓ 1%
Median Rent
$1,714/mo ↑ 1%
$83,753/yr ↓ 15%
Median Income
$98,686/yr ↑ 18%
$484,600 ≈ Same
Home Value
$485,000 ≈ Same
$1,752/mo ↑ 9%
Owner Costs
$1,607/mo ↓ 8%
524,802
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

24.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sacramento, CA and Meridian, ID, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 131 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $14,933/year higher in Meridian. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sacramento is $484,600 compared to $485,000 in Meridian.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Sacramento vs Meridian — common questions

Is Sacramento or Meridian cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Meridian is cheaper to live in with an index of 131 compared to 132 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sacramento and Meridian?
Median rent in Sacramento is $1,694/month and in Meridian it's $1,714/month — a difference of $20/month.
Which city has higher income, Sacramento or Meridian?
Median household income is $83,753 in Sacramento and $98,686 in Meridian. Median household income is $14,933/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 Sacramento or Meridian?
It depends on your priorities. Sacramento has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,694/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 Sacramento details → View Meridian details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Sacramento and Meridian

Sacramento vs. Tucson Sacramento vs. Kansas City Sacramento vs. Fresno Sacramento vs. Mesa Sacramento vs. Albuquerque Sacramento vs. Atlanta Meridian vs. Palm Bay Meridian vs. Vallejo Meridian vs. Allentown Meridian vs. Round Rock Meridian vs. Thousand Oaks Meridian vs. Concord