Moving from Meridian, ID to Rialto, CA
Relocating 814 mi from Meridian to Rialto is a 15h 37m drive through 4 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item — rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
814 mi · 15h 37m by car · ID → OR → NV → CA
Distance & route
| Route through | ID → OR → NV → CA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 95, US 395, US 6 HIST |
| Major cities en route | Boise City, Nampa, Victorville, Rancho Cucamonga, Ontario |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Meridian | Rialto | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 98.391 | 106.442 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 70.695 | 148.641 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.179 | 101.431 | 100.0 |
| Services | 105.58 | 129.312 | 100.0 |
Rialto runs about 8.2% more expensive overall than Meridian — RPP 98.391 → 106.442.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes in Rialto run about 8.2% pricier — ZHVI $526,994 → $588,566 (2026-03).
YoY change: Meridian 0.0%, Rialto -0.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Meridian | Rialto |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 53°F | 67°F |
| January avg low | 26°F | 44°F |
| July avg high | 93°F | 94°F |
| Annual snowfall | 17.6" | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 11.5" | 9.9" |
Expect 13.4°F warmer year-round on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals.
Snowfall is a non-factor at the destination: Rialto sees under an inch a year per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: BOISE AIR TERMINAL, ID US, RIVERSIDE CITRUS EXP, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Meridian | Rialto |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 124,865 | 103,866 |
| Median household income | $98,686 | $85,521 |
| Median age | 37.4 | 31.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 29.3% | 9.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.75 | 3.87 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 8.2% lower in Rialto than Meridian.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Rialto MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 267,890 | $47,210 |
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 177,100 | $47,040 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 167,590 | $34,570 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 136,950 | $36,420 |
| Healthcare Support Occupations | 115,940 | $32,240 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Idaho and California
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check California's DMV for the current deadline to transfer driver license and vehicle registration after establishing residency. Consult a tax professional for your specific filing situation — state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20–30% more between Memorial Day and Labor Day (peak season). October through April offers the lowest rates and better mover availability.
To avoid mid-semester school transfers, most U.S. families schedule moves between mid-June and mid-August. Public school calendars typically run late August or early September through late May or early June.
Winter driving along this route
- Lookout Pass (I-90) and Galena Summit (SH-75) require winter tires or chains during storms.
- Cascade passes on I-84 and OR-58 can require chains or close entirely during winter storms.
- I-80 east of Reno and US-50 across the Sierra can require chains in winter storms.
- Donner Pass (I-80) and Tejon Pass (I-5 Grapevine) see chain requirements and occasional closures December through March.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Rialto average 94°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Dry climate: Rialto sees only 9.9 in of precipitation a year. A humidifier helps keep wood furniture from cracking and is easier on skin and sinuses.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (13.4°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- Wildfire season in California typically peaks July through October — register for county emergency alerts during unpack.
- Arrange utility connection (power, internet, gas, water) two weeks ahead of move-in.
- Update mailing address with USPS change-of-address within the first week post-move.
- Register to vote in California after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from Meridian to Rialto?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 814 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Meridian vs Rialto?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $85,521 in Rialto vs $98,686 in Meridian — a 13.3% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Rialto compare to Meridian?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,450 in the Rialto MSA vs $45,320 in the Meridian MSA, on total employment of 1,661,860 and 372,470 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Rialto, CA from Meridian, ID?
The driving distance is 814 mi and the route typically takes 15h 37m via US 95 and US 395. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
What is the climate difference between Meridian and Rialto?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 66.6°F in Rialto vs 53.2°F in Meridian (13.4°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 0.0 in vs 17.6 in. Annual precipitation: 9.9 in vs 11.5 in.
How much do homes cost in Rialto compared to Meridian?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $588,566 in Rialto vs $526,994 in Meridian — a 11.7% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Rialto more expensive than Meridian?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Rialto is 8.2% higher than Meridian (106.442 vs 98.391, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Meridian.
City profiles: Meridian, ID · Rialto, CA.