Cost of Living: Meridian, ID vs Ann Arbor, MI (2026)

Meridian

Idaho
131
VS

Ann Arbor

Michigan
121

Meridian is 8% more expensive than Ann Arbor.

$1,714/mo ↑ 10%
Median Rent
$1,552/mo ↓ 9%
$98,686/yr ↑ 22%
Median Income
$81,089/yr ↓ 18%
$485,000 ↑ 11%
Home Value
$435,100 ↓ 10%
$1,607/mo ↓ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,638/mo ↑ 2%
124,865
Population
121,179

Tax Comparison

5.8%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.63%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

20.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Meridian, ID and Ann Arbor, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 131 and 121 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $162/month cheaper in Ann Arbor, saving renters about $1,944/year.

Median household income is $17,597/year higher in Meridian. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Meridian is $485,000 compared to $435,100 in Ann Arbor.

Michigan has a lower income tax rate, making Ann Arbor slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Meridian vs Ann Arbor — common questions

Is Meridian or Ann Arbor cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Ann Arbor is cheaper to live in with an index of 121 compared to 131 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Meridian and Ann Arbor?
Median rent in Meridian is $1,714/month and in Ann Arbor it's $1,552/month — a difference of $162/month.
Which city has higher income, Meridian or Ann Arbor?
Median household income is $98,686 in Meridian and $81,089 in Ann Arbor. Median household income is $17,597/year higher in Meridian.
How do taxes compare between Idaho and Michigan?
Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Meridian or Ann Arbor?
It depends on your priorities. Meridian has a cost index of 131 with median rent of $1,714/mo, while Ann Arbor has a cost index of 121 with rent of $1,552/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Meridian details → View Ann Arbor details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Meridian and Ann Arbor

Meridian vs. Palm Bay Meridian vs. Vallejo Meridian vs. Allentown Meridian vs. Round Rock Meridian vs. Thousand Oaks Meridian vs. Concord Ann Arbor vs. Lafayette Ann Arbor vs. Berkeley Ann Arbor vs. Rochester Ann Arbor vs. Fairfield Ann Arbor vs. Independence Ann Arbor vs. Hartford