Cost of Living: Meridian, ID vs Arvada, CO (2026)

Meridian

Idaho
131
VS

Arvada

Colorado
152

Meridian is 14% cheaper than Arvada.

$1,714/mo ↓ 5%
Median Rent
$1,802/mo ↑ 5%
$98,686/yr ↓ 13%
Median Income
$113,396/yr ↑ 15%
$485,000 ↓ 19%
Home Value
$600,800 ↑ 24%
$1,607/mo ↓ 18%
Owner Costs
$1,948/mo ↑ 21%
124,865
Population
122,835

Tax Comparison

5.8%
Income Tax
4.4%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
0.63%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

20.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Meridian, ID and Arvada, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 131 and 152 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $88/month cheaper in Meridian, saving renters about $1,056/year.

Median household income is $14,710/year higher in Arvada. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Meridian is $485,000 compared to $600,800 in Arvada.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Arvada slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Meridian vs Arvada — common questions

Is Meridian or Arvada cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Meridian is cheaper to live in with an index of 131 compared to 152 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Meridian and Arvada?
Median rent in Meridian is $1,714/month and in Arvada it's $1,802/month — a difference of $88/month.
Which city has higher income, Meridian or Arvada?
Median household income is $98,686 in Meridian and $113,396 in Arvada. Median household income is $14,710/year higher in Arvada.
How do taxes compare between Idaho and Colorado?
Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Meridian or Arvada?
It depends on your priorities. Meridian has a cost index of 131 with median rent of $1,714/mo, while Arvada has a cost index of 152 with rent of $1,802/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Meridian details → View Arvada details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Meridian and Arvada

Meridian vs. Palm Bay Meridian vs. Vallejo Meridian vs. Allentown Meridian vs. Round Rock Meridian vs. Thousand Oaks Meridian vs. Concord Arvada vs. Concord Arvada vs. Clovis Arvada vs. Round Rock Arvada vs. College Station Arvada vs. Vallejo Arvada vs. Independence