Cost of Living: Madison, WI vs Meridian, ID (2026)

Madison

Wisconsin
103
VS

Meridian

Idaho
131

Madison is 21% cheaper than Meridian.

$1,364/mo ↓ 20%
Median Rent
$1,714/mo ↑ 26%
$76,983/yr ↓ 22%
Median Income
$98,686/yr ↑ 28%
$346,900 ↓ 28%
Home Value
$485,000 ↑ 40%
$1,476/mo ↓ 8%
Owner Costs
$1,607/mo ↑ 9%
275,568
Population
124,865

Tax Comparison

7.65%
Income Tax
5.8%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.61%
Property Tax
0.63%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Madison, WI and Meridian, ID, the overall cost of living indices are 103 and 131 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $350/month cheaper in Madison, saving renters about $4,200/year.

Median household income is $21,703/year higher in Meridian. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Madison is $346,900 compared to $485,000 in Meridian.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Madison vs Meridian — common questions

Is Madison or Meridian cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Madison is cheaper to live in with an index of 103 compared to 131 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Madison and Meridian?
Median rent in Madison is $1,364/month and in Meridian it's $1,714/month — a difference of $350/month.
Which city has higher income, Madison or Meridian?
Median household income is $76,983 in Madison and $98,686 in Meridian. Median household income is $21,703/year higher in Meridian.
How do taxes compare between Wisconsin and Idaho?
Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax. Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax.
Should I move to Madison or Meridian?
It depends on your priorities. Madison has a cost index of 103 with median rent of $1,364/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 Madison details → View Meridian details →

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