Cost of Living: Eugene, OR vs Meridian, ID (2026)

Eugene

Oregon
111
VS

Meridian

Idaho
131

Eugene is 15% cheaper than Meridian.

$1,347/mo ↓ 21%
Median Rent
$1,714/mo ↑ 27%
$63,836/yr ↓ 35%
Median Income
$98,686/yr ↑ 55%
$435,400 ↓ 10%
Home Value
$485,000 ↑ 11%
$1,421/mo ↓ 12%
Owner Costs
$1,607/mo ↑ 13%
177,520
Population
124,865

Tax Comparison

9.9%
Income Tax
5.8%
0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.93%
Property Tax
0.63%

Affordability

25.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Eugene, OR and Meridian, ID, the overall cost of living indices are 111 and 131 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $367/month cheaper in Eugene, saving renters about $4,404/year.

Median household income is $34,850/year higher in Meridian. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Eugene is $435,400 compared to $485,000 in Meridian.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Eugene vs Meridian — common questions

Is Eugene or Meridian cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Eugene is cheaper to live in with an index of 111 compared to 131 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Eugene and Meridian?
Median rent in Eugene is $1,347/month and in Meridian it's $1,714/month — a difference of $367/month.
Which city has higher income, Eugene or Meridian?
Median household income is $63,836 in Eugene and $98,686 in Meridian. Median household income is $34,850/year higher in Meridian.
How do taxes compare between Oregon and Idaho?
Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax.
Should I move to Eugene or Meridian?
It depends on your priorities. Eugene has a cost index of 111 with median rent of $1,347/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 Eugene details → View Meridian details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Eugene and Meridian

Eugene vs. Ontario Eugene vs. Elk Grove Eugene vs. Aurora Eugene vs. Santa Rosa Eugene vs. Chattanooga Eugene vs. Cary Meridian vs. Palm Bay Meridian vs. Vallejo Meridian vs. Allentown Meridian vs. Round Rock Meridian vs. Thousand Oaks Meridian vs. Concord