Cost of Living: Des Moines, IA vs Meridian, ID (2026)

Des Moines

Iowa
70
VS

Meridian

Idaho
131

Des Moines is 47% cheaper than Meridian.

$1,054/mo ↓ 39%
Median Rent
$1,714/mo ↑ 63%
$63,966/yr ↓ 35%
Median Income
$98,686/yr ↑ 54%
$183,700 ↓ 62%
Home Value
$485,000 ↑ 164%
$1,137/mo ↓ 29%
Owner Costs
$1,607/mo ↑ 41%
212,464
Population
124,865

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
5.8%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.57%
Property Tax
0.63%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Des Moines, IA and Meridian, ID, the overall cost of living indices are 70 and 131 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $660/month cheaper in Des Moines, saving renters about $7,920/year.

Median household income is $34,720/year higher in Meridian. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Des Moines is $183,700 compared to $485,000 in Meridian.

Iowa has a lower income tax rate, making Des Moines slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Des Moines vs Meridian — common questions

Is Des Moines or Meridian cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Des Moines is cheaper to live in with an index of 70 compared to 131 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Des Moines and Meridian?
Median rent in Des Moines is $1,054/month and in Meridian it's $1,714/month — a difference of $660/month.
Which city has higher income, Des Moines or Meridian?
Median household income is $63,966 in Des Moines and $98,686 in Meridian. Median household income is $34,720/year higher in Meridian.
How do taxes compare between Iowa and Idaho?
Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax. Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax.
Should I move to Des Moines or Meridian?
It depends on your priorities. Des Moines has a cost index of 70 with median rent of $1,054/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 Des Moines details → View Meridian details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Des Moines and Meridian

Des Moines vs. Modesto Des Moines vs. Fontana Des Moines vs. Huntsville Des Moines vs. Moreno Valley Des Moines vs. Spring Valley Des Moines vs. Frisco Meridian vs. Palm Bay Meridian vs. Vallejo Meridian vs. Allentown Meridian vs. Round Rock Meridian vs. Thousand Oaks Meridian vs. Concord