Cost of Living: Lincoln, NE vs Meridian, ID (2026)

Lincoln

Nebraska
77
VS

Meridian

Idaho
131

Lincoln is 41% cheaper than Meridian.

$1,045/mo ↓ 39%
Median Rent
$1,714/mo ↑ 64%
$69,991/yr ↓ 29%
Median Income
$98,686/yr ↑ 41%
$248,200 ↓ 49%
Home Value
$485,000 ↑ 95%
$1,140/mo ↓ 29%
Owner Costs
$1,607/mo ↑ 41%
291,932
Population
124,865

Tax Comparison

6.64%
Income Tax
5.8%
5.5%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.73%
Property Tax
0.63%

Affordability

17.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lincoln, NE and Meridian, ID, the overall cost of living indices are 77 and 131 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $669/month cheaper in Lincoln, saving renters about $8,028/year.

Median household income is $28,695/year higher in Meridian. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lincoln is $248,200 compared to $485,000 in Meridian.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lincoln vs Meridian — common questions

Is Lincoln or Meridian cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lincoln is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 131 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lincoln and Meridian?
Median rent in Lincoln is $1,045/month and in Meridian it's $1,714/month — a difference of $669/month.
Which city has higher income, Lincoln or Meridian?
Median household income is $69,991 in Lincoln and $98,686 in Meridian. Median household income is $28,695/year higher in Meridian.
How do taxes compare between Nebraska and Idaho?
Nebraska has 6.64% income tax, 5.5% sales tax, and 1.73% property tax. Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax.
Should I move to Lincoln or Meridian?
It depends on your priorities. Lincoln has a cost index of 77 with median rent of $1,045/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 Lincoln details → View Meridian details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Lincoln and Meridian

Lincoln vs. St. Louis Lincoln vs. Jersey City Lincoln vs. Greensboro Lincoln vs. Anchorage Lincoln vs. Pittsburgh Lincoln vs. Durham Meridian vs. Palm Bay Meridian vs. Vallejo Meridian vs. Allentown Meridian vs. Round Rock Meridian vs. Thousand Oaks Meridian vs. Concord