Santa Ana, CA vs Meridian, ID: 163 vs 131

$1,975/mo ↑ 15%

Median Rent

$1,714/mo ↓ 13%

$88,354/yr ↓ 10%

Median Income

$98,686/yr ↑ 12%

$657,800 ↑ 36%

Home Value

$485,000 ↓ 26%

$1,965/mo ↑ 22%

Owner Costs

$1,607/mo ↓ 18%

311,639

Population

124,865

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Ana, CA and Meridian, ID, the overall cost of living indices are 163 and 131 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $261/month cheaper in Meridian, saving renters about $3,132/year.

Median household income is $10,332/year higher in Meridian. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Ana is $657,800 compared to $485,000 in Meridian.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Ana vs Meridian — common questions

Is Santa Ana or Meridian cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Meridian is cheaper to live in with an index of 131 compared to 163 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Santa Ana and Meridian?

Median rent in Santa Ana is $1,975/month and in Meridian it's $1,714/month — a difference of $261/month.

Which city has higher income, Santa Ana or Meridian?

Median household income is $88,354 in Santa Ana and $98,686 in Meridian. Median household income is $10,332/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 Santa Ana or Meridian?

It depends on your priorities. Santa Ana has a cost index of 163 with median rent of $1,975/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.

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

Santa Ana

Meridian

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

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