Cost of Living: Boston, MA vs Meridian, ID (2026)

Boston

Massachusetts
176
VS

Meridian

Idaho
131

Boston is 34% more expensive than Meridian.

$2,093/mo ↑ 22%
Median Rent
$1,714/mo ↓ 18%
$94,755/yr ↓ 4%
Median Income
$98,686/yr ↑ 4%
$710,400 ↑ 46%
Home Value
$485,000 ↓ 32%
$2,176/mo ↑ 35%
Owner Costs
$1,607/mo ↓ 26%
663,972
Population
124,865

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
5.8%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.15%
Property Tax
0.63%

Affordability

26.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boston, MA and Meridian, ID, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 131 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $379/month cheaper in Meridian, saving renters about $4,548/year.

Median household income is $3,931/year higher in Meridian. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boston is $710,400 compared to $485,000 in Meridian.

Idaho has a lower income tax rate, making Meridian slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Boston vs Meridian — common questions

Is Boston or Meridian cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Meridian is cheaper to live in with an index of 131 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boston and Meridian?
Median rent in Boston is $2,093/month and in Meridian it's $1,714/month — a difference of $379/month.
Which city has higher income, Boston or Meridian?
Median household income is $94,755 in Boston and $98,686 in Meridian. Median household income is $3,931/year higher in Meridian.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Idaho?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax.
Should I move to Boston or Meridian?
It depends on your priorities. Boston has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $2,093/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 Boston details → View Meridian details →

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