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

Arlington

Texas
95
VS

Meridian

Idaho
131

Arlington is 27% cheaper than Meridian.

$1,389/mo ↓ 19%
Median Rent
$1,714/mo ↑ 23%
$73,519/yr ↓ 26%
Median Income
$98,686/yr ↑ 34%
$276,400 ↓ 43%
Home Value
$485,000 ↑ 75%
$1,420/mo ↓ 12%
Owner Costs
$1,607/mo ↑ 13%
394,769
Population
124,865

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Arlington, TX and Meridian, ID, the overall cost of living indices are 95 and 131 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $325/month cheaper in Arlington, saving renters about $3,900/year.

Median household income is $25,167/year higher in Meridian. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Arlington is $276,400 compared to $485,000 in Meridian.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Arlington vs Meridian — common questions

Is Arlington or Meridian cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Arlington is cheaper to live in with an index of 95 compared to 131 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Arlington and Meridian?
Median rent in Arlington is $1,389/month and in Meridian it's $1,714/month — a difference of $325/month.
Which city has higher income, Arlington or Meridian?
Median household income is $73,519 in Arlington and $98,686 in Meridian. Median household income is $25,167/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 Arlington or Meridian?
It depends on your priorities. Arlington has a cost index of 95 with median rent of $1,389/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 Arlington details → View Meridian details →

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