Cost of Living: Columbus, OH vs Meridian, ID (2026)

Columbus

Ohio
83
VS

Meridian

Idaho
131

Columbus is 37% cheaper than Meridian.

$1,224/mo ↓ 29%
Median Rent
$1,714/mo ↑ 40%
$65,327/yr ↓ 34%
Median Income
$98,686/yr ↑ 51%
$234,500 ↓ 52%
Home Value
$485,000 ↑ 107%
$1,243/mo ↓ 23%
Owner Costs
$1,607/mo ↑ 29%
906,480
Population
124,865

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
5.8%
5.75%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.53%
Property Tax
0.63%

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Columbus, OH and Meridian, ID, the overall cost of living indices are 83 and 131 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $490/month cheaper in Columbus, saving renters about $5,880/year.

Median household income is $33,359/year higher in Meridian. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Columbus is $234,500 compared to $485,000 in Meridian.

Ohio has a lower income tax rate, making Columbus slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Columbus vs Meridian — common questions

Is Columbus or Meridian cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbus is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 131 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Columbus and Meridian?
Median rent in Columbus is $1,224/month and in Meridian it's $1,714/month — a difference of $490/month.
Which city has higher income, Columbus or Meridian?
Median household income is $65,327 in Columbus and $98,686 in Meridian. Median household income is $33,359/year higher in Meridian.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and Idaho?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax.
Should I move to Columbus or Meridian?
It depends on your priorities. Columbus has a cost index of 83 with median rent of $1,224/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 Columbus details → View Meridian details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Columbus and Meridian

Columbus vs. Fort Worth Columbus vs. Charlotte Columbus vs. Jacksonville Columbus vs. Indianapolis Columbus vs. Austin Columbus vs. San Francisco Meridian vs. Palm Bay Meridian vs. Vallejo Meridian vs. Allentown Meridian vs. Round Rock Meridian vs. Thousand Oaks Meridian vs. Concord