Cost of Living: Chicago, IL vs Meridian, ID (2026)

Chicago

Illinois
100
VS

Meridian

Idaho
131

Chicago is 24% cheaper than Meridian.

$1,380/mo ↓ 19%
Median Rent
$1,714/mo ↑ 24%
$75,134/yr ↓ 24%
Median Income
$98,686/yr ↑ 31%
$315,200 ↓ 35%
Home Value
$485,000 ↑ 54%
$1,502/mo ↓ 7%
Owner Costs
$1,607/mo ↑ 7%
2,707,648
Population
124,865

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
5.8%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
2.07%
Property Tax
0.63%

Affordability

22.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chicago, IL and Meridian, ID, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 131 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $334/month cheaper in Chicago, saving renters about $4,008/year.

Median household income is $23,552/year higher in Meridian. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chicago is $315,200 compared to $485,000 in Meridian.

Illinois has a lower income tax rate, making Chicago slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chicago vs Meridian — common questions

Is Chicago or Meridian cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chicago is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 131 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chicago and Meridian?
Median rent in Chicago is $1,380/month and in Meridian it's $1,714/month — a difference of $334/month.
Which city has higher income, Chicago or Meridian?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago and $98,686 in Meridian. Median household income is $23,552/year higher in Meridian.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Idaho?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax.
Should I move to Chicago or Meridian?
It depends on your priorities. Chicago has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,380/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 Chicago details → View Meridian details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Chicago and Meridian

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