Cost of Living: McAllen, TX vs Meridian, ID (2026)

McAllen

Texas
66
VS

Meridian

Idaho
131

McAllen is 50% cheaper than Meridian.

$1,017/mo ↓ 41%
Median Rent
$1,714/mo ↑ 69%
$60,165/yr ↓ 39%
Median Income
$98,686/yr ↑ 64%
$173,800 ↓ 64%
Home Value
$485,000 ↑ 179%
$996/mo ↓ 38%
Owner Costs
$1,607/mo ↑ 61%
143,789
Population
124,865

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.8%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.63%

Affordability

20.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing McAllen, TX and Meridian, ID, the overall cost of living indices are 66 and 131 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $697/month cheaper in McAllen, saving renters about $8,364/year.

Median household income is $38,521/year higher in Meridian. Home values also differ significantly — the median in McAllen is $173,800 compared to $485,000 in Meridian.

Texas has no state income tax, giving McAllen residents a significant tax advantage over Idaho's 5.8% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

McAllen vs Meridian — common questions

Is McAllen or Meridian cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, McAllen is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 131 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between McAllen and Meridian?
Median rent in McAllen is $1,017/month and in Meridian it's $1,714/month — a difference of $697/month.
Which city has higher income, McAllen or Meridian?
Median household income is $60,165 in McAllen and $98,686 in Meridian. Median household income is $38,521/year higher in Meridian.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Idaho?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax.
Should I move to McAllen or Meridian?
It depends on your priorities. McAllen has a cost index of 66 with median rent of $1,017/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 McAllen details → View Meridian details →

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