Cost of Living: Detroit, MI vs Meridian, ID (2026)

Detroit

Michigan
53
VS

Meridian

Idaho
131

Detroit is 60% cheaper than Meridian.

$1,034/mo ↓ 40%
Median Rent
$1,714/mo ↑ 66%
$39,575/yr ↓ 60%
Median Income
$98,686/yr ↑ 149%
$76,800 ↓ 84%
Home Value
$485,000 ↑ 532%
$868/mo ↓ 46%
Owner Costs
$1,607/mo ↑ 85%
636,644
Population
124,865

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
5.8%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.38%
Property Tax
0.63%

Affordability

31.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Detroit, MI and Meridian, ID, the overall cost of living indices are 53 and 131 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $680/month cheaper in Detroit, saving renters about $8,160/year.

Median household income is $59,111/year higher in Meridian. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Detroit is $76,800 compared to $485,000 in Meridian.

Michigan has a lower income tax rate, making Detroit slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Detroit vs Meridian — common questions

Is Detroit or Meridian cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Detroit is cheaper to live in with an index of 53 compared to 131 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Detroit and Meridian?
Median rent in Detroit is $1,034/month and in Meridian it's $1,714/month — a difference of $680/month.
Which city has higher income, Detroit or Meridian?
Median household income is $39,575 in Detroit and $98,686 in Meridian. Median household income is $59,111/year higher in Meridian.
How do taxes compare between Michigan and Idaho?
Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax. Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax.
Should I move to Detroit or Meridian?
It depends on your priorities. Detroit has a cost index of 53 with median rent of $1,034/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 Detroit details → View Meridian details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Detroit and Meridian

Detroit vs. Portland Detroit vs. Memphis Detroit vs. Las Vegas Detroit vs. Louisville Detroit vs. Boston Detroit vs. Baltimore Meridian vs. Palm Bay Meridian vs. Vallejo Meridian vs. Allentown Meridian vs. Round Rock Meridian vs. Thousand Oaks Meridian vs. Concord