Cost of Living: Meridian, ID vs Billings, MT (2026)

Meridian

Idaho
131
VS

Billings

Montana
86

Meridian is 52% more expensive than Billings.

$1,714/mo ↑ 56%
Median Rent
$1,097/mo ↓ 36%
$98,686/yr ↑ 37%
Median Income
$71,855/yr ↓ 27%
$485,000 ↑ 56%
Home Value
$311,800 ↓ 36%
$1,607/mo ↑ 37%
Owner Costs
$1,177/mo ↓ 27%
124,865
Population
118,321

Tax Comparison

5.8%
Income Tax
6.75%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
0%
0.63%
Property Tax
0.74%

Affordability

20.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Meridian, ID and Billings, MT, the overall cost of living indices are 131 and 86 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $617/month cheaper in Billings, saving renters about $7,404/year.

Median household income is $26,831/year higher in Meridian. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Meridian is $485,000 compared to $311,800 in Billings.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Meridian vs Billings — common questions

Is Meridian or Billings cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Billings is cheaper to live in with an index of 86 compared to 131 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Meridian and Billings?
Median rent in Meridian is $1,714/month and in Billings it's $1,097/month — a difference of $617/month.
Which city has higher income, Meridian or Billings?
Median household income is $98,686 in Meridian and $71,855 in Billings. Median household income is $26,831/year higher in Meridian.
How do taxes compare between Idaho and Montana?
Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax. Montana has 6.75% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.74% property tax.
Should I move to Meridian or Billings?
It depends on your priorities. Meridian has a cost index of 131 with median rent of $1,714/mo, while Billings has a cost index of 86 with rent of $1,097/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Meridian details → View Billings details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Meridian and Billings

Meridian vs. Palm Bay Meridian vs. Vallejo Meridian vs. Allentown Meridian vs. Round Rock Meridian vs. Thousand Oaks Meridian vs. Concord Billings vs. Wilmington Billings vs. Richardson Billings vs. Spring Hill Billings vs. Cambridge Billings vs. West Palm Beach Billings vs. North Charleston