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

Meridian

Idaho
131
VS

Allen

Texas
137

Meridian is 4% cheaper than Allen.

$1,714/mo ↓ 9%
Median Rent
$1,877/mo ↑ 10%
$98,686/yr ↓ 24%
Median Income
$129,130/yr ↑ 31%
$485,000 ↑ 13%
Home Value
$429,900 ↓ 11%
$1,607/mo ↓ 23%
Owner Costs
$2,083/mo ↑ 30%
124,865
Population
107,684

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

20.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Meridian, ID and Allen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 131 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $163/month cheaper in Meridian, saving renters about $1,956/year.

Median household income is $30,444/year higher in Allen. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Meridian is $485,000 compared to $429,900 in Allen.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Meridian vs Allen — common questions

Is Meridian or Allen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Meridian is cheaper to live in with an index of 131 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Meridian and Allen?
Median rent in Meridian is $1,714/month and in Allen it's $1,877/month — a difference of $163/month.
Which city has higher income, Meridian or Allen?
Median household income is $98,686 in Meridian and $129,130 in Allen. Median household income is $30,444/year higher in Allen.
How do taxes compare between Idaho and Texas?
Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Meridian or Allen?
It depends on your priorities. Meridian has a cost index of 131 with median rent of $1,714/mo, while Allen has a cost index of 137 with rent of $1,877/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Meridian details → View Allen details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Meridian and Allen

Meridian vs. Palm Bay Meridian vs. Vallejo Meridian vs. Allentown Meridian vs. Round Rock Meridian vs. Thousand Oaks Meridian vs. Concord Allen vs. Tuscaloosa Allen vs. New York Allen vs. Tyler Allen vs. Los Angeles Allen vs. Riverview Allen vs. Chicago