El Paso, TX vs Meridian, ID: 67 vs 131

$1,041/mo ↓ 39%

Median Rent

$1,714/mo ↑ 65%

$58,734/yr ↓ 40%

Median Income

$98,686/yr ↑ 68%

$171,700 ↓ 65%

Home Value

$485,000 ↑ 182%

$1,044/mo ↓ 35%

Owner Costs

$1,607/mo ↑ 54%

678,147

Population

124,865

Detailed Comparison

When comparing El Paso, TX and Meridian, ID, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 131 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $673/month cheaper in El Paso, saving renters about $8,076/year.

Median household income is $39,952/year higher in Meridian. Home values also differ significantly — the median in El Paso is $171,700 compared to $485,000 in Meridian.

Texas has no state income tax, giving El Paso residents a significant tax advantage over Idaho's 5.8% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

El Paso vs Meridian — common questions

Is El Paso or Meridian cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, El Paso is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 131 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between El Paso and Meridian?

Median rent in El Paso is $1,041/month and in Meridian it's $1,714/month — a difference of $673/month.

Which city has higher income, El Paso or Meridian?

Median household income is $58,734 in El Paso and $98,686 in Meridian. Median household income is $39,952/year higher in Meridian.

How do taxes compare between Texas and Idaho?

Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax.

Should I move to El Paso or Meridian?

It depends on your priorities. El Paso has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,041/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.

Cost of Living: El Paso, TX vs Meridian, ID (2026)

El Paso

Meridian

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

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