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

Santa Clarita

California
197
VS

Meridian

Idaho
131

Santa Clarita is 50% more expensive than Meridian.

$2,486/mo ↑ 45%
Median Rent
$1,714/mo ↓ 31%
$119,926/yr ↑ 22%
Median Income
$98,686/yr ↓ 18%
$721,000 ↑ 49%
Home Value
$485,000 ↓ 33%
$2,649/mo ↑ 65%
Owner Costs
$1,607/mo ↓ 39%
229,021
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

24.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Clarita, CA and Meridian, ID, the overall cost of living indices are 197 and 131 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $772/month cheaper in Meridian, saving renters about $9,264/year.

Median household income is $21,240/year higher in Santa Clarita. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Clarita is $721,000 compared to $485,000 in Meridian.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Clarita vs Meridian — common questions

Is Santa Clarita 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 Santa Clarita and Meridian?
Median rent in Santa Clarita is $2,486/month and in Meridian it's $1,714/month — a difference of $772/month.
Which city has higher income, Santa Clarita or Meridian?
Median household income is $119,926 in Santa Clarita and $98,686 in Meridian. Median household income is $21,240/year higher in Santa Clarita.
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 Clarita or Meridian?
It depends on your priorities. Santa Clarita has a cost index of 197 with median rent of $2,486/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 Santa Clarita details → View Meridian details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Santa Clarita and Meridian

Santa Clarita vs. Spokane Santa Clarita vs. Fremont Santa Clarita vs. Enterprise Santa Clarita vs. Richmond Santa Clarita vs. Norfolk Santa Clarita vs. Baton Rouge Meridian vs. Palm Bay Meridian vs. Vallejo Meridian vs. Allentown Meridian vs. Round Rock Meridian vs. Thousand Oaks Meridian vs. Concord