Cost of Living: Denver, CO vs Meridian, ID (2026)

Denver

Colorado
147
VS

Meridian

Idaho
131

Denver is 12% more expensive than Meridian.

$1,770/mo ↑ 3%
Median Rent
$1,714/mo ↓ 3%
$91,681/yr ↓ 7%
Median Income
$98,686/yr ↑ 8%
$586,700 ↑ 21%
Home Value
$485,000 ↓ 17%
$1,839/mo ↑ 14%
Owner Costs
$1,607/mo ↓ 13%
713,734
Population
124,865

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
5.8%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.51%
Property Tax
0.63%

Affordability

23.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Denver, CO and Meridian, ID, the overall cost of living indices are 147 and 131 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $56/month cheaper in Meridian, saving renters about $672/year.

Median household income is $7,005/year higher in Meridian. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Denver is $586,700 compared to $485,000 in Meridian.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Denver slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Denver vs Meridian — common questions

Is Denver or Meridian cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Meridian is cheaper to live in with an index of 131 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Denver and Meridian?
Median rent in Denver is $1,770/month and in Meridian it's $1,714/month — a difference of $56/month.
Which city has higher income, Denver or Meridian?
Median household income is $91,681 in Denver and $98,686 in Meridian. Median household income is $7,005/year higher in Meridian.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Idaho?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax.
Should I move to Denver or Meridian?
It depends on your priorities. Denver has a cost index of 147 with median rent of $1,770/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 Denver details → View Meridian details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Denver and Meridian

Denver vs. Seattle Denver vs. Oklahoma City Denver vs. San Francisco Denver vs. Nashville Denver vs. Indianapolis Denver vs. El Paso Meridian vs. Palm Bay Meridian vs. Vallejo Meridian vs. Allentown Meridian vs. Round Rock Meridian vs. Thousand Oaks Meridian vs. Concord