Cost of Living: Baltimore, MD vs Meridian, ID (2026)

Baltimore

Maryland
84
VS

Meridian

Idaho
131

Baltimore is 36% cheaper than Meridian.

$1,290/mo ↓ 25%
Median Rent
$1,714/mo ↑ 33%
$59,623/yr ↓ 40%
Median Income
$98,686/yr ↑ 66%
$219,300 ↓ 55%
Home Value
$485,000 ↑ 121%
$1,333/mo ↓ 17%
Owner Costs
$1,607/mo ↑ 21%
577,193
Population
124,865

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
5.8%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.07%
Property Tax
0.63%

Affordability

26.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Baltimore, MD and Meridian, ID, the overall cost of living indices are 84 and 131 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $424/month cheaper in Baltimore, saving renters about $5,088/year.

Median household income is $39,063/year higher in Meridian. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Baltimore is $219,300 compared to $485,000 in Meridian.

Maryland has a lower income tax rate, making Baltimore slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Baltimore vs Meridian — common questions

Is Baltimore or Meridian cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Baltimore is cheaper to live in with an index of 84 compared to 131 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Baltimore and Meridian?
Median rent in Baltimore is $1,290/month and in Meridian it's $1,714/month — a difference of $424/month.
Which city has higher income, Baltimore or Meridian?
Median household income is $59,623 in Baltimore and $98,686 in Meridian. Median household income is $39,063/year higher in Meridian.
How do taxes compare between Maryland and Idaho?
Maryland has 5.75% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.07% property tax. Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax.
Should I move to Baltimore or Meridian?
It depends on your priorities. Baltimore has a cost index of 84 with median rent of $1,290/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 Baltimore details → View Meridian details →

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