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

Sunnyvale

California
341
VS

Meridian

Idaho
131

Sunnyvale is 160% more expensive than Meridian.

$3,065/mo ↑ 79%
Median Rent
$1,714/mo ↓ 44%
$181,862/yr ↑ 84%
Median Income
$98,686/yr ↓ 46%
$1,816,600 ↑ 275%
Home Value
$485,000 ↓ 73%
$3,016/mo ↑ 88%
Owner Costs
$1,607/mo ↓ 47%
153,455
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

20.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sunnyvale, CA and Meridian, ID, the overall cost of living indices are 341 and 131 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,351/month cheaper in Meridian, saving renters about $16,212/year.

Median household income is $83,176/year higher in Sunnyvale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sunnyvale is $1,816,600 compared to $485,000 in Meridian.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Sunnyvale vs Meridian — common questions

Is Sunnyvale or Meridian cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Meridian is cheaper to live in with an index of 131 compared to 341 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sunnyvale and Meridian?
Median rent in Sunnyvale is $3,065/month and in Meridian it's $1,714/month — a difference of $1,351/month.
Which city has higher income, Sunnyvale or Meridian?
Median household income is $181,862 in Sunnyvale and $98,686 in Meridian. Median household income is $83,176/year higher in Sunnyvale.
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 Sunnyvale or Meridian?
It depends on your priorities. Sunnyvale has a cost index of 341 with median rent of $3,065/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 Sunnyvale details → View Meridian details →

More Comparisons

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Sunnyvale vs. Springfield Sunnyvale vs. Hollywood Sunnyvale vs. Kansas City Sunnyvale vs. Roseville Sunnyvale vs. Killeen Sunnyvale vs. Charleston Meridian vs. Palm Bay Meridian vs. Vallejo Meridian vs. Allentown Meridian vs. Round Rock Meridian vs. Thousand Oaks Meridian vs. Concord