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

Arlington

Virginia
203
VS

Meridian

Idaho
131

Arlington is 55% more expensive than Meridian.

$2,275/mo ↑ 33%
Median Rent
$1,714/mo ↓ 25%
$140,160/yr ↑ 42%
Median Income
$98,686/yr ↓ 30%
$864,800 ↑ 78%
Home Value
$485,000 ↓ 44%
$2,414/mo ↑ 50%
Owner Costs
$1,607/mo ↓ 33%
235,463
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

19.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Arlington, VA and Meridian, ID, the overall cost of living indices are 203 and 131 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $561/month cheaper in Meridian, saving renters about $6,732/year.

Median household income is $41,474/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Arlington is $864,800 compared to $485,000 in Meridian.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Arlington vs Meridian — common questions

Is Arlington or Meridian cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Meridian is cheaper to live in with an index of 131 compared to 203 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Arlington and Meridian?
Median rent in Arlington is $2,275/month and in Meridian it's $1,714/month — a difference of $561/month.
Which city has higher income, Arlington or Meridian?
Median household income is $140,160 in Arlington and $98,686 in Meridian. Median household income is $41,474/year higher in Arlington.
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 Arlington or Meridian?
It depends on your priorities. Arlington has a cost index of 203 with median rent of $2,275/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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