Cost of Living: Meridian, ID vs College Station, TX (2026)

Meridian

Idaho
131
VS

College Station

Texas
91

Meridian is 44% more expensive than College Station.

$1,714/mo ↑ 47%
Median Rent
$1,168/mo ↓ 32%
$98,686/yr ↑ 91%
Median Income
$51,776/yr ↓ 48%
$485,000 ↑ 49%
Home Value
$326,500 ↓ 33%
$1,607/mo ↑ 28%
Owner Costs
$1,251/mo ↓ 22%
124,865
Population
122,280

Tax Comparison

5.8%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.63%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

20.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Meridian, ID and College Station, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 131 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $546/month cheaper in College Station, saving renters about $6,552/year.

Median household income is $46,910/year higher in Meridian. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Meridian is $485,000 compared to $326,500 in College Station.

Texas has no state income tax, giving College Station residents a significant tax advantage over Idaho's 5.8% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Meridian vs College Station — common questions

Is Meridian or College Station cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, College Station is cheaper to live in with an index of 91 compared to 131 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Meridian and College Station?
Median rent in Meridian is $1,714/month and in College Station it's $1,168/month — a difference of $546/month.
Which city has higher income, Meridian or College Station?
Median household income is $98,686 in Meridian and $51,776 in College Station. Median household income is $46,910/year higher in Meridian.
How do taxes compare between Idaho and Texas?
Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Meridian or College Station?
It depends on your priorities. Meridian has a cost index of 131 with median rent of $1,714/mo, while College Station has a cost index of 91 with rent of $1,168/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Meridian details → View College Station details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Meridian and College Station

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