Cost of Living: Athens, GA vs Meridian, ID (2026)

Athens

Georgia
83
VS

Meridian

Idaho
131

Athens is 37% cheaper than Meridian.

$1,162/mo ↓ 32%
Median Rent
$1,714/mo ↑ 48%
$51,655/yr ↓ 48%
Median Income
$98,686/yr ↑ 91%
$271,800 ↓ 44%
Home Value
$485,000 ↑ 78%
$1,163/mo ↓ 28%
Owner Costs
$1,607/mo ↑ 38%
126,987
Population
124,865

Tax Comparison

5.49%
Income Tax
5.8%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.63%

Affordability

27.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Athens, GA and Meridian, ID, the overall cost of living indices are 83 and 131 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $552/month cheaper in Athens, saving renters about $6,624/year.

Median household income is $47,031/year higher in Meridian. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Athens is $271,800 compared to $485,000 in Meridian.

Georgia has a lower income tax rate, making Athens slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Athens vs Meridian — common questions

Is Athens or Meridian cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Athens is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 131 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Athens and Meridian?
Median rent in Athens is $1,162/month and in Meridian it's $1,714/month — a difference of $552/month.
Which city has higher income, Athens or Meridian?
Median household income is $51,655 in Athens and $98,686 in Meridian. Median household income is $47,031/year higher in Meridian.
How do taxes compare between Georgia and Idaho?
Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax.
Should I move to Athens or Meridian?
It depends on your priorities. Athens has a cost index of 83 with median rent of $1,162/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 Athens details → View Meridian details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Athens and Meridian

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