Cost of Living: Meridian, ID vs Clearwater, FL (2026)

Meridian

Idaho
131
VS

Clearwater

Florida
105

Meridian is 25% more expensive than Clearwater.

$1,714/mo ↑ 11%
Median Rent
$1,539/mo ↓ 10%
$98,686/yr ↑ 53%
Median Income
$64,440/yr ↓ 35%
$485,000 ↑ 49%
Home Value
$326,100 ↓ 33%
$1,607/mo ↑ 14%
Owner Costs
$1,411/mo ↓ 12%
124,865
Population
117,075

Tax Comparison

5.8%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.63%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

20.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Meridian, ID and Clearwater, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 131 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $175/month cheaper in Clearwater, saving renters about $2,100/year.

Median household income is $34,246/year higher in Meridian. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Meridian is $485,000 compared to $326,100 in Clearwater.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Meridian vs Clearwater — common questions

Is Meridian or Clearwater cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Clearwater is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 131 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Meridian and Clearwater?
Median rent in Meridian is $1,714/month and in Clearwater it's $1,539/month — a difference of $175/month.
Which city has higher income, Meridian or Clearwater?
Median household income is $98,686 in Meridian and $64,440 in Clearwater. Median household income is $34,246/year higher in Meridian.
How do taxes compare between Idaho and Florida?
Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Meridian or Clearwater?
It depends on your priorities. Meridian has a cost index of 131 with median rent of $1,714/mo, while Clearwater has a cost index of 105 with rent of $1,539/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Meridian details → View Clearwater details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Meridian and Clearwater

Meridian vs. Palm Bay Meridian vs. Vallejo Meridian vs. Allentown Meridian vs. Round Rock Meridian vs. Thousand Oaks Meridian vs. Concord Clearwater vs. North Charleston Clearwater vs. Lakeland Clearwater vs. Cambridge Clearwater vs. The Woodlands Clearwater vs. Richardson Clearwater vs. Evansville