Cost of Living: Alexandria, VA vs Meridian, ID (2026)

Alexandria

Virginia
173
VS

Meridian

Idaho
131

Alexandria is 32% more expensive than Meridian.

$2,031/mo ↑ 18%
Median Rent
$1,714/mo ↓ 16%
$113,638/yr ↑ 15%
Median Income
$98,686/yr ↓ 13%
$696,800 ↑ 44%
Home Value
$485,000 ↓ 30%
$2,173/mo ↑ 35%
Owner Costs
$1,607/mo ↓ 26%
156,788
Population
124,865

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
5.8%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.63%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Alexandria, VA and Meridian, ID, the overall cost of living indices are 173 and 131 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $317/month cheaper in Meridian, saving renters about $3,804/year.

Median household income is $14,952/year higher in Alexandria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Alexandria is $696,800 compared to $485,000 in Meridian.

Virginia has a lower income tax rate, making Alexandria slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Alexandria vs Meridian — common questions

Is Alexandria or Meridian cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Meridian is cheaper to live in with an index of 131 compared to 173 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Alexandria and Meridian?
Median rent in Alexandria is $2,031/month and in Meridian it's $1,714/month — a difference of $317/month.
Which city has higher income, Alexandria or Meridian?
Median household income is $113,638 in Alexandria and $98,686 in Meridian. Median household income is $14,952/year higher in Alexandria.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Idaho?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax.
Should I move to Alexandria or Meridian?
It depends on your priorities. Alexandria has a cost index of 173 with median rent of $2,031/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 Alexandria details → View Meridian details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Alexandria and Meridian

Alexandria vs. Murfreesboro Alexandria vs. Macon Alexandria vs. Paterson Alexandria vs. Lakewood Alexandria vs. Corona Alexandria vs. Killeen Meridian vs. Palm Bay Meridian vs. Vallejo Meridian vs. Allentown Meridian vs. Round Rock Meridian vs. Thousand Oaks Meridian vs. Concord