Cost of Living: Meridian, ID vs High Point, NC (2026)

Meridian

Idaho
131
VS

High Point

North Carolina
73

Meridian is 79% more expensive than High Point.

$1,714/mo ↑ 61%
Median Rent
$1,062/mo ↓ 38%
$98,686/yr ↑ 61%
Median Income
$61,228/yr ↓ 38%
$485,000 ↑ 128%
Home Value
$212,400 ↓ 56%
$1,607/mo ↑ 48%
Owner Costs
$1,084/mo ↓ 33%
124,865
Population
115,263

Tax Comparison

5.8%
Income Tax
4.5%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
0.63%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Meridian, ID and High Point, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 131 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $652/month cheaper in High Point, saving renters about $7,824/year.

Median household income is $37,458/year higher in Meridian. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Meridian is $485,000 compared to $212,400 in High Point.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making High Point slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Meridian vs High Point — common questions

Is Meridian or High Point cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, High Point is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 131 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Meridian and High Point?
Median rent in Meridian is $1,714/month and in High Point it's $1,062/month — a difference of $652/month.
Which city has higher income, Meridian or High Point?
Median household income is $98,686 in Meridian and $61,228 in High Point. Median household income is $37,458/year higher in Meridian.
How do taxes compare between Idaho and North Carolina?
Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Meridian or High Point?
It depends on your priorities. Meridian has a cost index of 131 with median rent of $1,714/mo, while High Point has a cost index of 73 with rent of $1,062/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Meridian details → View High Point details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Meridian and High Point

Meridian vs. Palm Bay Meridian vs. Vallejo Meridian vs. Allentown Meridian vs. Round Rock Meridian vs. Thousand Oaks Meridian vs. Concord High Point vs. Richmond High Point vs. League City High Point vs. Manchester High Point vs. Lowell High Point vs. Westminster High Point vs. East Los Angeles