Cost of Living: Elizabeth, NJ vs Meridian, ID (2026)

Elizabeth

New Jersey
112
VS

Meridian

Idaho
131

Elizabeth is 15% cheaper than Meridian.

$1,463/mo ↓ 15%
Median Rent
$1,714/mo ↑ 17%
$63,874/yr ↓ 35%
Median Income
$98,686/yr ↑ 55%
$393,500 ↓ 19%
Home Value
$485,000 ↑ 23%
$1,543/mo ↓ 4%
Owner Costs
$1,607/mo ↑ 4%
135,887
Population
124,865

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
5.8%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
2.23%
Property Tax
0.63%

Affordability

27.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Elizabeth, NJ and Meridian, ID, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 131 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $251/month cheaper in Elizabeth, saving renters about $3,012/year.

Median household income is $34,812/year higher in Meridian. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Elizabeth is $393,500 compared to $485,000 in Meridian.

Idaho has a lower income tax rate, making Meridian slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Elizabeth vs Meridian — common questions

Is Elizabeth or Meridian cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elizabeth is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 131 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Elizabeth and Meridian?
Median rent in Elizabeth is $1,463/month and in Meridian it's $1,714/month — a difference of $251/month.
Which city has higher income, Elizabeth or Meridian?
Median household income is $63,874 in Elizabeth and $98,686 in Meridian. Median household income is $34,812/year higher in Meridian.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and Idaho?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax.
Should I move to Elizabeth or Meridian?
It depends on your priorities. Elizabeth has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,463/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 Elizabeth details → View Meridian details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Elizabeth and Meridian

Elizabeth vs. Victorville Elizabeth vs. Stamford Elizabeth vs. Miramar Elizabeth vs. Kent Elizabeth vs. Pasadena Elizabeth vs. Midland Meridian vs. Palm Bay Meridian vs. Vallejo Meridian vs. Allentown Meridian vs. Round Rock Meridian vs. Thousand Oaks Meridian vs. Concord