Cost of Living: Bellevue, WA vs Meridian, ID (2026)

Bellevue

Washington
250
VS

Meridian

Idaho
131

Bellevue is 91% more expensive than Meridian.

$2,505/mo ↑ 46%
Median Rent
$1,714/mo ↓ 32%
$161,300/yr ↑ 63%
Median Income
$98,686/yr ↓ 39%
$1,203,100 ↑ 148%
Home Value
$485,000 ↓ 60%
$2,586/mo ↑ 61%
Owner Costs
$1,607/mo ↓ 38%
151,199
Population
124,865

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.8%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.63%

Affordability

18.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Bellevue, WA and Meridian, ID, the overall cost of living indices are 250 and 131 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $791/month cheaper in Meridian, saving renters about $9,492/year.

Median household income is $62,614/year higher in Bellevue. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Bellevue is $1,203,100 compared to $485,000 in Meridian.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Bellevue vs Meridian — common questions

Is Bellevue or Meridian cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Meridian is cheaper to live in with an index of 131 compared to 250 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Bellevue and Meridian?
Median rent in Bellevue is $2,505/month and in Meridian it's $1,714/month — a difference of $791/month.
Which city has higher income, Bellevue or Meridian?
Median household income is $161,300 in Bellevue and $98,686 in Meridian. Median household income is $62,614/year higher in Bellevue.
How do taxes compare between Washington and Idaho?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% 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 Bellevue or Meridian?
It depends on your priorities. Bellevue has a cost index of 250 with median rent of $2,505/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 Bellevue details → View Meridian details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Bellevue and Meridian

Bellevue vs. Charleston Bellevue vs. Escondido Bellevue vs. Roseville Bellevue vs. Jackson Bellevue vs. Hollywood Bellevue vs. Joliet Meridian vs. Palm Bay Meridian vs. Vallejo Meridian vs. Allentown Meridian vs. Round Rock Meridian vs. Thousand Oaks Meridian vs. Concord