Cost of Living: Gilbert, AZ vs Meridian, ID (2026)

Gilbert

Arizona
148
VS

Meridian

Idaho
131

Gilbert is 13% more expensive than Meridian.

$2,028/mo ↑ 18%
Median Rent
$1,714/mo ↓ 15%
$121,351/yr ↑ 23%
Median Income
$98,686/yr ↓ 19%
$518,600 ↑ 7%
Home Value
$485,000 ↓ 6%
$1,908/mo ↑ 19%
Owner Costs
$1,607/mo ↓ 16%
271,118
Population
124,865

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
5.8%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.63%

Affordability

20.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Gilbert, AZ and Meridian, ID, the overall cost of living indices are 148 and 131 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $314/month cheaper in Meridian, saving renters about $3,768/year.

Median household income is $22,665/year higher in Gilbert. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Gilbert is $518,600 compared to $485,000 in Meridian.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Gilbert slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Gilbert vs Meridian — common questions

Is Gilbert or Meridian cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Meridian is cheaper to live in with an index of 131 compared to 148 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Gilbert and Meridian?
Median rent in Gilbert is $2,028/month and in Meridian it's $1,714/month — a difference of $314/month.
Which city has higher income, Gilbert or Meridian?
Median household income is $121,351 in Gilbert and $98,686 in Meridian. Median household income is $22,665/year higher in Gilbert.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Idaho?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax.
Should I move to Gilbert or Meridian?
It depends on your priorities. Gilbert has a cost index of 148 with median rent of $2,028/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 Gilbert details → View Meridian details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Gilbert and Meridian

Gilbert vs. Chula Vista Gilbert vs. North Las Vegas Gilbert vs. Madison Gilbert vs. Reno Gilbert vs. Buffalo Gilbert vs. Toledo Meridian vs. Palm Bay Meridian vs. Vallejo Meridian vs. Allentown Meridian vs. Round Rock Meridian vs. Thousand Oaks Meridian vs. Concord