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

Lakewood

Colorado
141
VS

Meridian

Idaho
131

Lakewood is 8% more expensive than Meridian.

$1,746/mo ↑ 2%
Median Rent
$1,714/mo ↓ 2%
$85,789/yr ↓ 13%
Median Income
$98,686/yr ↑ 15%
$548,200 ↑ 13%
Home Value
$485,000 ↓ 12%
$1,729/mo ↑ 8%
Owner Costs
$1,607/mo ↓ 7%
156,309
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

24.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lakewood, CO and Meridian, ID, the overall cost of living indices are 141 and 131 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $12,897/year higher in Meridian. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lakewood is $548,200 compared to $485,000 in Meridian.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lakewood vs Meridian — common questions

Is Lakewood or Meridian cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Meridian is cheaper to live in with an index of 131 compared to 141 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lakewood and Meridian?
Median rent in Lakewood is $1,746/month and in Meridian it's $1,714/month — a difference of $32/month.
Which city has higher income, Lakewood or Meridian?
Median household income is $85,789 in Lakewood and $98,686 in Meridian. Median household income is $12,897/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 Lakewood or Meridian?
It depends on your priorities. Lakewood has a cost index of 141 with median rent of $1,746/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 Lakewood details → View Meridian details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Lakewood and Meridian

Lakewood vs. Macon Lakewood vs. Killeen Lakewood vs. Alexandria Lakewood vs. Kansas City Lakewood vs. Murfreesboro Lakewood vs. Springfield Meridian vs. Palm Bay Meridian vs. Vallejo Meridian vs. Allentown Meridian vs. Round Rock Meridian vs. Thousand Oaks Meridian vs. Concord