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

San Diego

California
197
VS

Meridian

Idaho
131

San Diego is 50% more expensive than Meridian.

$2,223/mo ↑ 30%
Median Rent
$1,714/mo ↓ 23%
$104,321/yr ↑ 6%
Median Income
$98,686/yr ↓ 5%
$848,500 ↑ 75%
Home Value
$485,000 ↓ 43%
$2,308/mo ↑ 44%
Owner Costs
$1,607/mo ↓ 30%
1,385,061
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 San Diego, CA and Meridian, ID, the overall cost of living indices are 197 and 131 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $509/month cheaper in Meridian, saving renters about $6,108/year.

Median household income is $5,635/year higher in San Diego. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Diego is $848,500 compared to $485,000 in Meridian.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Diego vs Meridian — common questions

Is San Diego or Meridian cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Meridian is cheaper to live in with an index of 131 compared to 197 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Diego and Meridian?
Median rent in San Diego is $2,223/month and in Meridian it's $1,714/month — a difference of $509/month.
Which city has higher income, San Diego or Meridian?
Median household income is $104,321 in San Diego and $98,686 in Meridian. Median household income is $5,635/year higher in San Diego.
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 Diego or Meridian?
It depends on your priorities. San Diego has a cost index of 197 with median rent of $2,223/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 Diego details → View Meridian details →

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