Cost of Living: Meridian, ID vs Dearborn, MI (2026)

Meridian

Idaho
131
VS

Dearborn

Michigan
79

Meridian is 66% more expensive than Dearborn.

$1,714/mo ↑ 36%
Median Rent
$1,264/mo ↓ 26%
$98,686/yr ↑ 51%
Median Income
$65,192/yr ↓ 34%
$485,000 ↑ 136%
Home Value
$205,900 ↓ 58%
$1,607/mo ↑ 37%
Owner Costs
$1,174/mo ↓ 27%
124,865
Population
107,846

Tax Comparison

5.8%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.63%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

20.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Meridian, ID and Dearborn, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 131 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $450/month cheaper in Dearborn, saving renters about $5,400/year.

Median household income is $33,494/year higher in Meridian. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Meridian is $485,000 compared to $205,900 in Dearborn.

Michigan has a lower income tax rate, making Dearborn slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Meridian vs Dearborn — common questions

Is Meridian or Dearborn cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dearborn is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 131 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Meridian and Dearborn?
Median rent in Meridian is $1,714/month and in Dearborn it's $1,264/month — a difference of $450/month.
Which city has higher income, Meridian or Dearborn?
Median household income is $98,686 in Meridian and $65,192 in Dearborn. Median household income is $33,494/year higher in Meridian.
How do taxes compare between Idaho and Michigan?
Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Meridian or Dearborn?
It depends on your priorities. Meridian has a cost index of 131 with median rent of $1,714/mo, while Dearborn has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,264/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Meridian details → View Dearborn details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Meridian and Dearborn

Meridian vs. Palm Bay Meridian vs. Vallejo Meridian vs. Allentown Meridian vs. Round Rock Meridian vs. Thousand Oaks Meridian vs. Concord Dearborn vs. Sparks Dearborn vs. Riverview Dearborn vs. South Fulton Dearborn vs. Tyler Dearborn vs. Greeley Dearborn vs. Tuscaloosa