Cost of Living: Fort Collins, CO vs Meridian, ID (2026)

Fort Collins

Colorado
137
VS

Meridian

Idaho
131

Fort Collins is 5% more expensive than Meridian.

$1,661/mo ↓ 3%
Median Rent
$1,714/mo ↑ 3%
$83,598/yr ↓ 15%
Median Income
$98,686/yr ↑ 18%
$548,400 ↑ 13%
Home Value
$485,000 ↓ 12%
$1,692/mo ↑ 5%
Owner Costs
$1,607/mo ↓ 5%
169,705
Population
124,865

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
5.8%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.51%
Property Tax
0.63%

Affordability

23.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Collins, CO and Meridian, ID, the overall cost of living indices are 137 and 131 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $53/month cheaper in Fort Collins, saving renters about $636/year.

Median household income is $15,088/year higher in Meridian. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Collins is $548,400 compared to $485,000 in Meridian.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Fort Collins slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Collins vs Meridian — common questions

Is Fort Collins or Meridian cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Meridian is cheaper to live in with an index of 131 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Collins and Meridian?
Median rent in Fort Collins is $1,661/month and in Meridian it's $1,714/month — a difference of $53/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Collins or Meridian?
Median household income is $83,598 in Fort Collins and $98,686 in Meridian. Median household income is $15,088/year higher in Meridian.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Idaho?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax.
Should I move to Fort Collins or Meridian?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Collins has a cost index of 137 with median rent of $1,661/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 Fort Collins details → View Meridian details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fort Collins and Meridian

Fort Collins vs. Lancaster Fort Collins vs. Springfield Fort Collins vs. Pembroke Pines Fort Collins vs. Palmdale Fort Collins vs. Garden Grove Fort Collins vs. Salinas Meridian vs. Palm Bay Meridian vs. Vallejo Meridian vs. Allentown Meridian vs. Round Rock Meridian vs. Thousand Oaks Meridian vs. Concord