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

Torrance

California
218
VS

Meridian

Idaho
131

Torrance is 66% more expensive than Meridian.

$2,214/mo ↑ 29%
Median Rent
$1,714/mo ↓ 23%
$113,105/yr ↑ 15%
Median Income
$98,686/yr ↓ 13%
$1,036,600 ↑ 114%
Home Value
$485,000 ↓ 53%
$2,295/mo ↑ 43%
Owner Costs
$1,607/mo ↓ 30%
143,499
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

23.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Torrance, CA and Meridian, ID, the overall cost of living indices are 218 and 131 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $500/month cheaper in Meridian, saving renters about $6,000/year.

Median household income is $14,419/year higher in Torrance. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Torrance is $1,036,600 compared to $485,000 in Meridian.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Torrance vs Meridian — common questions

Is Torrance or Meridian cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Meridian is cheaper to live in with an index of 131 compared to 218 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Torrance and Meridian?
Median rent in Torrance is $2,214/month and in Meridian it's $1,714/month — a difference of $500/month.
Which city has higher income, Torrance or Meridian?
Median household income is $113,105 in Torrance and $98,686 in Meridian. Median household income is $14,419/year higher in Torrance.
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 Torrance or Meridian?
It depends on your priorities. Torrance has a cost index of 218 with median rent of $2,214/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 Torrance details → View Meridian details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Torrance and Meridian

Torrance vs. Gainesville Torrance vs. Thornton Torrance vs. Olathe Torrance vs. Visalia Torrance vs. McAllen Torrance vs. Waco Meridian vs. Palm Bay Meridian vs. Vallejo Meridian vs. Allentown Meridian vs. Round Rock Meridian vs. Thousand Oaks Meridian vs. Concord