Cost of Living: Abilene, TX vs Meridian, ID (2026)

Abilene

Texas
71
VS

Meridian

Idaho
131

Abilene is 46% cheaper than Meridian.

$1,106/mo ↓ 35%
Median Rent
$1,714/mo ↑ 55%
$62,720/yr ↓ 36%
Median Income
$98,686/yr ↑ 57%
$178,900 ↓ 63%
Home Value
$485,000 ↑ 171%
$1,114/mo ↓ 31%
Owner Costs
$1,607/mo ↑ 44%
127,130
Population
124,865

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.8%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.63%

Affordability

21.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Abilene, TX and Meridian, ID, the overall cost of living indices are 71 and 131 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $608/month cheaper in Abilene, saving renters about $7,296/year.

Median household income is $35,966/year higher in Meridian. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Abilene is $178,900 compared to $485,000 in Meridian.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Abilene residents a significant tax advantage over Idaho's 5.8% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Abilene vs Meridian — common questions

Is Abilene or Meridian cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Abilene is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 131 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Abilene and Meridian?
Median rent in Abilene is $1,106/month and in Meridian it's $1,714/month — a difference of $608/month.
Which city has higher income, Abilene or Meridian?
Median household income is $62,720 in Abilene and $98,686 in Meridian. Median household income is $35,966/year higher in Meridian.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Idaho?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax.
Should I move to Abilene or Meridian?
It depends on your priorities. Abilene has a cost index of 71 with median rent of $1,106/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 Abilene details → View Meridian details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Abilene and Meridian

Abilene vs. Columbia Abilene vs. Athens Abilene vs. Lehigh Acres Abilene vs. Topeka Abilene vs. Lewisville Abilene vs. Pearland Meridian vs. Palm Bay Meridian vs. Vallejo Meridian vs. Allentown Meridian vs. Round Rock Meridian vs. Thousand Oaks Meridian vs. Concord