Cost of Living: Durham, NC vs Meridian, ID (2026)

Durham

North Carolina
105
VS

Meridian

Idaho
131

Durham is 20% cheaper than Meridian.

$1,412/mo ↓ 18%
Median Rent
$1,714/mo ↑ 21%
$79,234/yr ↓ 20%
Median Income
$98,686/yr ↑ 25%
$355,300 ↓ 27%
Home Value
$485,000 ↑ 37%
$1,434/mo ↓ 11%
Owner Costs
$1,607/mo ↑ 12%
288,465
Population
124,865

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
5.8%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.63%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Durham, NC and Meridian, ID, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 131 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $302/month cheaper in Durham, saving renters about $3,624/year.

Median household income is $19,452/year higher in Meridian. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Durham is $355,300 compared to $485,000 in Meridian.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Durham slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Durham vs Meridian — common questions

Is Durham or Meridian cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Durham is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 131 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Durham and Meridian?
Median rent in Durham is $1,412/month and in Meridian it's $1,714/month — a difference of $302/month.
Which city has higher income, Durham or Meridian?
Median household income is $79,234 in Durham and $98,686 in Meridian. Median household income is $19,452/year higher in Meridian.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Idaho?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax.
Should I move to Durham or Meridian?
It depends on your priorities. Durham has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,412/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 Durham details → View Meridian details →

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