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

Stockton

California
115
VS

Meridian

Idaho
131

Stockton is 12% cheaper than Meridian.

$1,495/mo ↓ 13%
Median Rent
$1,714/mo ↑ 15%
$76,851/yr ↓ 22%
Median Income
$98,686/yr ↑ 28%
$412,900 ↓ 15%
Home Value
$485,000 ↑ 17%
$1,555/mo ↓ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,607/mo ↑ 3%
320,470
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

23.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Stockton, CA and Meridian, ID, the overall cost of living indices are 115 and 131 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $219/month cheaper in Stockton, saving renters about $2,628/year.

Median household income is $21,835/year higher in Meridian. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Stockton is $412,900 compared to $485,000 in Meridian.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Stockton vs Meridian — common questions

Is Stockton or Meridian cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Stockton is cheaper to live in with an index of 115 compared to 131 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Stockton and Meridian?
Median rent in Stockton is $1,495/month and in Meridian it's $1,714/month — a difference of $219/month.
Which city has higher income, Stockton or Meridian?
Median household income is $76,851 in Stockton and $98,686 in Meridian. Median household income is $21,835/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 Stockton or Meridian?
It depends on your priorities. Stockton has a cost index of 115 with median rent of $1,495/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 Stockton details → View Meridian details →

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