Cost of Living: Aurora, CO vs Meridian, ID (2026)

Aurora

Colorado
130
VS

Meridian

Idaho
131

Aurora and Meridian have a similar cost of living.

$1,759/mo ↑ 3%
Median Rent
$1,714/mo ↓ 3%
$84,320/yr ↓ 15%
Median Income
$98,686/yr ↑ 17%
$444,500 ↓ 8%
Home Value
$485,000 ↑ 9%
$1,762/mo ↑ 10%
Owner Costs
$1,607/mo ↓ 9%
390,201
Population
124,865

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
5.8%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.51%
Property Tax
0.63%

Affordability

25.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Aurora, CO and Meridian, ID, the overall cost of living indices are 130 and 131 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $14,366/year higher in Meridian. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Aurora is $444,500 compared to $485,000 in Meridian.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Aurora slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Aurora vs Meridian — common questions

Is Aurora or Meridian cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Aurora is cheaper to live in with an index of 130 compared to 131 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Aurora and Meridian?
Median rent in Aurora is $1,759/month and in Meridian it's $1,714/month — a difference of $45/month.
Which city has higher income, Aurora or Meridian?
Median household income is $84,320 in Aurora and $98,686 in Meridian. Median household income is $14,366/year higher in Meridian.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Idaho?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax.
Should I move to Aurora or Meridian?
It depends on your priorities. Aurora has a cost index of 130 with median rent of $1,759/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 Aurora details → View Meridian details →

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Other cost of living comparisons for Aurora and Meridian

Aurora vs. Tampa Aurora vs. New Orleans Aurora vs. Arlington Aurora vs. Cleveland Aurora vs. Wichita Aurora vs. Honolulu Meridian vs. Palm Bay Meridian vs. Vallejo Meridian vs. Allentown Meridian vs. Round Rock Meridian vs. Thousand Oaks Meridian vs. Concord