Cost of Living: Meridian, ID vs Cambridge, MA (2026)

Meridian

Idaho
131
VS

Cambridge

Massachusetts
239

Meridian is 45% cheaper than Cambridge.

$1,714/mo ↓ 37%
Median Rent
$2,742/mo ↑ 60%
$98,686/yr ↓ 22%
Median Income
$126,469/yr ↑ 28%
$485,000 ↓ 53%
Home Value
$1,040,500 ↑ 115%
$1,607/mo ↓ 39%
Owner Costs
$2,634/mo ↑ 64%
124,865
Population
117,794

Tax Comparison

5.8%
Income Tax
9.0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.63%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

20.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Meridian, ID and Cambridge, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 131 and 239 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,028/month cheaper in Meridian, saving renters about $12,336/year.

Median household income is $27,783/year higher in Cambridge. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Meridian is $485,000 compared to $1,040,500 in Cambridge.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Meridian vs Cambridge — common questions

Is Meridian or Cambridge cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Meridian is cheaper to live in with an index of 131 compared to 239 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Meridian and Cambridge?
Median rent in Meridian is $1,714/month and in Cambridge it's $2,742/month — a difference of $1,028/month.
Which city has higher income, Meridian or Cambridge?
Median household income is $98,686 in Meridian and $126,469 in Cambridge. Median household income is $27,783/year higher in Cambridge.
How do taxes compare between Idaho and Massachusetts?
Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Meridian or Cambridge?
It depends on your priorities. Meridian has a cost index of 131 with median rent of $1,714/mo, while Cambridge has a cost index of 239 with rent of $2,742/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Meridian details → View Cambridge details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Meridian and Cambridge

Meridian vs. Palm Bay Meridian vs. Vallejo Meridian vs. Allentown Meridian vs. Round Rock Meridian vs. Thousand Oaks Meridian vs. Concord Cambridge vs. Richardson Cambridge vs. North Charleston Cambridge vs. Billings Cambridge vs. Clearwater Cambridge vs. Wilmington Cambridge vs. Lakeland