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

Jersey City

New Jersey
148
VS

Meridian

Idaho
131

Jersey City is 13% more expensive than Meridian.

$1,902/mo ↑ 11%
Median Rent
$1,714/mo ↓ 10%
$94,813/yr ↓ 4%
Median Income
$98,686/yr ↑ 4%
$534,500 ↑ 10%
Home Value
$485,000 ↓ 9%
$2,006/mo ↑ 25%
Owner Costs
$1,607/mo ↓ 20%
289,691
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

24.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Jersey City, NJ and Meridian, ID, the overall cost of living indices are 148 and 131 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $188/month cheaper in Meridian, saving renters about $2,256/year.

Median household income is $3,873/year higher in Meridian. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Jersey City is $534,500 compared to $485,000 in Meridian.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Jersey City vs Meridian — common questions

Is Jersey City 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 Jersey City and Meridian?
Median rent in Jersey City is $1,902/month and in Meridian it's $1,714/month — a difference of $188/month.
Which city has higher income, Jersey City or Meridian?
Median household income is $94,813 in Jersey City and $98,686 in Meridian. Median household income is $3,873/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 Jersey City or Meridian?
It depends on your priorities. Jersey City has a cost index of 148 with median rent of $1,902/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 Jersey City details → View Meridian details →

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