Cost of Living: Boise, ID vs Meridian, ID (2026)

Boise

Idaho
112
VS

Meridian

Idaho
131

Boise is 15% cheaper than Meridian.

$1,359/mo ↓ 21%
Median Rent
$1,714/mo ↑ 26%
$81,308/yr ↓ 18%
Median Income
$98,686/yr ↑ 21%
$456,000 ↓ 6%
Home Value
$485,000 ↑ 6%
$1,337/mo ↓ 17%
Owner Costs
$1,607/mo ↑ 20%
235,701
Population
124,865

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

20.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boise, ID and Meridian, ID, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 131 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $355/month cheaper in Boise, saving renters about $4,260/year.

Median household income is $17,378/year higher in Meridian. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boise is $456,000 compared to $485,000 in Meridian.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in Idaho.

Frequently Asked Questions

Boise vs Meridian — common questions

Is Boise or Meridian cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Boise is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 131 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boise and Meridian?
Median rent in Boise is $1,359/month and in Meridian it's $1,714/month — a difference of $355/month.
Which city has higher income, Boise or Meridian?
Median household income is $81,308 in Boise and $98,686 in Meridian. Median household income is $17,378/year higher in Meridian.
How do taxes compare between Idaho and Idaho?
Both cities are in Idaho and share the same state tax rates: 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax.
Should I move to Boise or Meridian?
It depends on your priorities. Boise has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,359/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 Boise details → View Meridian details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Boise and Meridian

Boise vs. Scottsdale Boise vs. Arlington Boise vs. Garland Boise vs. Norfolk Boise vs. Glendale Boise vs. Enterprise Meridian vs. Palm Bay Meridian vs. Vallejo Meridian vs. Allentown Meridian vs. Round Rock Meridian vs. Thousand Oaks Meridian vs. Concord