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

Glendale

Arizona
102
VS

Meridian

Idaho
131

Glendale is 22% cheaper than Meridian.

$1,397/mo ↓ 18%
Median Rent
$1,714/mo ↑ 23%
$70,139/yr ↓ 29%
Median Income
$98,686/yr ↑ 41%
$347,000 ↓ 28%
Home Value
$485,000 ↑ 40%
$1,356/mo ↓ 16%
Owner Costs
$1,607/mo ↑ 19%
250,193
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

23.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Glendale, AZ and Meridian, ID, the overall cost of living indices are 102 and 131 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $317/month cheaper in Glendale, saving renters about $3,804/year.

Median household income is $28,547/year higher in Meridian. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Glendale is $347,000 compared to $485,000 in Meridian.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Glendale vs Meridian — common questions

Is Glendale or Meridian cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Glendale is cheaper to live in with an index of 102 compared to 131 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Glendale and Meridian?
Median rent in Glendale is $1,397/month and in Meridian it's $1,714/month — a difference of $317/month.
Which city has higher income, Glendale or Meridian?
Median household income is $70,139 in Glendale and $98,686 in Meridian. Median household income is $28,547/year higher in Meridian.
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 Glendale or Meridian?
It depends on your priorities. Glendale has a cost index of 102 with median rent of $1,397/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 Glendale details → View Meridian details →

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