Cost of Living: Birmingham, AL vs Meridian, ID (2026)

Birmingham

Alabama
62
VS

Meridian

Idaho
131

Birmingham is 53% cheaper than Meridian.

$1,047/mo ↓ 39%
Median Rent
$1,714/mo ↑ 64%
$44,376/yr ↓ 55%
Median Income
$98,686/yr ↑ 122%
$138,600 ↓ 71%
Home Value
$485,000 ↑ 250%
$991/mo ↓ 38%
Owner Costs
$1,607/mo ↑ 62%
199,322
Population
124,865

Tax Comparison

5.0%
Income Tax
5.8%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.41%
Property Tax
0.63%

Affordability

28.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Birmingham, AL and Meridian, ID, the overall cost of living indices are 62 and 131 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $667/month cheaper in Birmingham, saving renters about $8,004/year.

Median household income is $54,310/year higher in Meridian. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Birmingham is $138,600 compared to $485,000 in Meridian.

Alabama has a lower income tax rate, making Birmingham slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Birmingham vs Meridian — common questions

Is Birmingham or Meridian cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Birmingham is cheaper to live in with an index of 62 compared to 131 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Birmingham and Meridian?
Median rent in Birmingham is $1,047/month and in Meridian it's $1,714/month — a difference of $667/month.
Which city has higher income, Birmingham or Meridian?
Median household income is $44,376 in Birmingham and $98,686 in Meridian. Median household income is $54,310/year higher in Meridian.
How do taxes compare between Alabama and Idaho?
Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax. Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax.
Should I move to Birmingham or Meridian?
It depends on your priorities. Birmingham has a cost index of 62 with median rent of $1,047/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 Birmingham details → View Meridian details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Birmingham and Meridian

Birmingham vs. Tallahassee Birmingham vs. Sunrise Manor Birmingham vs. Amarillo Birmingham vs. Grand Prairie Birmingham vs. Oxnard Birmingham vs. Montgomery Meridian vs. Palm Bay Meridian vs. Vallejo Meridian vs. Allentown Meridian vs. Round Rock Meridian vs. Thousand Oaks Meridian vs. Concord