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

Dayton

Ohio
50
VS

Meridian

Idaho
131

Dayton is 62% cheaper than Meridian.

$866/mo ↓ 49%
Median Rent
$1,714/mo ↑ 98%
$43,454/yr ↓ 56%
Median Income
$98,686/yr ↑ 127%
$93,200 ↓ 81%
Home Value
$485,000 ↑ 420%
$833/mo ↓ 48%
Owner Costs
$1,607/mo ↑ 93%
136,741
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

23.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Dayton, OH and Meridian, ID, the overall cost of living indices are 50 and 131 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $848/month cheaper in Dayton, saving renters about $10,176/year.

Median household income is $55,232/year higher in Meridian. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Dayton is $93,200 compared to $485,000 in Meridian.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Dayton vs Meridian — common questions

Is Dayton or Meridian cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dayton is cheaper to live in with an index of 50 compared to 131 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Dayton and Meridian?
Median rent in Dayton is $866/month and in Meridian it's $1,714/month — a difference of $848/month.
Which city has higher income, Dayton or Meridian?
Median household income is $43,454 in Dayton and $98,686 in Meridian. Median household income is $55,232/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 Dayton or Meridian?
It depends on your priorities. Dayton has a cost index of 50 with median rent of $866/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 Dayton details → View Meridian details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Dayton and Meridian

Dayton vs. Cedar Rapids Dayton vs. Pasadena Dayton vs. Hampton Dayton vs. Miramar Dayton vs. West Valley City Dayton vs. Victorville Meridian vs. Palm Bay Meridian vs. Vallejo Meridian vs. Allentown Meridian vs. Round Rock Meridian vs. Thousand Oaks Meridian vs. Concord