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

San Bernardino

California
109
VS

Meridian

Idaho
131

San Bernardino is 17% cheaper than Meridian.

$1,433/mo ↓ 16%
Median Rent
$1,714/mo ↑ 20%
$63,988/yr ↓ 35%
Median Income
$98,686/yr ↑ 54%
$384,900 ↓ 21%
Home Value
$485,000 ↑ 26%
$1,478/mo ↓ 8%
Owner Costs
$1,607/mo ↑ 9%
221,774
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

26.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Bernardino, CA and Meridian, ID, the overall cost of living indices are 109 and 131 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $281/month cheaper in San Bernardino, saving renters about $3,372/year.

Median household income is $34,698/year higher in Meridian. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Bernardino is $384,900 compared to $485,000 in Meridian.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Bernardino vs Meridian — common questions

Is San Bernardino or Meridian cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, San Bernardino is cheaper to live in with an index of 109 compared to 131 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Bernardino and Meridian?
Median rent in San Bernardino is $1,433/month and in Meridian it's $1,714/month — a difference of $281/month.
Which city has higher income, San Bernardino or Meridian?
Median household income is $63,988 in San Bernardino and $98,686 in Meridian. Median household income is $34,698/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 San Bernardino or Meridian?
It depends on your priorities. San Bernardino has a cost index of 109 with median rent of $1,433/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 San Bernardino details → View Meridian details →

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