Cost of Living: Dallas, TX vs Meridian, ID (2026)

Dallas

Texas
97
VS

Meridian

Idaho
131

Dallas is 26% cheaper than Meridian.

$1,403/mo ↓ 18%
Median Rent
$1,714/mo ↑ 22%
$67,760/yr ↓ 31%
Median Income
$98,686/yr ↑ 46%
$295,300 ↓ 39%
Home Value
$485,000 ↑ 64%
$1,409/mo ↓ 12%
Owner Costs
$1,607/mo ↑ 14%
1,299,553
Population
124,865

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.8%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.63%

Affordability

24.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Dallas, TX and Meridian, ID, the overall cost of living indices are 97 and 131 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $311/month cheaper in Dallas, saving renters about $3,732/year.

Median household income is $30,926/year higher in Meridian. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Dallas is $295,300 compared to $485,000 in Meridian.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Dallas residents a significant tax advantage over Idaho's 5.8% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Dallas vs Meridian — common questions

Is Dallas or Meridian cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dallas is cheaper to live in with an index of 97 compared to 131 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Dallas and Meridian?
Median rent in Dallas is $1,403/month and in Meridian it's $1,714/month — a difference of $311/month.
Which city has higher income, Dallas or Meridian?
Median household income is $67,760 in Dallas and $98,686 in Meridian. Median household income is $30,926/year higher in Meridian.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Idaho?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax.
Should I move to Dallas or Meridian?
It depends on your priorities. Dallas has a cost index of 97 with median rent of $1,403/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 Dallas details → View Meridian details →

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