Cost of Living: Meridian, ID vs Independence, MO (2026)

Meridian

Idaho
131
VS

Independence

Missouri
67

Meridian is 96% more expensive than Independence.

$1,714/mo ↑ 62%
Median Rent
$1,061/mo ↓ 38%
$98,686/yr ↑ 66%
Median Income
$59,480/yr ↓ 40%
$485,000 ↑ 191%
Home Value
$166,400 ↓ 66%
$1,607/mo ↑ 54%
Owner Costs
$1,046/mo ↓ 35%
124,865
Population
121,944

Tax Comparison

5.8%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
4.225%
0.63%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

20.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Meridian, ID and Independence, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 131 and 67 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $653/month cheaper in Independence, saving renters about $7,836/year.

Median household income is $39,206/year higher in Meridian. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Meridian is $485,000 compared to $166,400 in Independence.

Missouri has a lower income tax rate, making Independence slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Meridian vs Independence — common questions

Is Meridian or Independence cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Independence is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 131 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Meridian and Independence?
Median rent in Meridian is $1,714/month and in Independence it's $1,061/month — a difference of $653/month.
Which city has higher income, Meridian or Independence?
Median household income is $98,686 in Meridian and $59,480 in Independence. Median household income is $39,206/year higher in Meridian.
How do taxes compare between Idaho and Missouri?
Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax. Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Meridian or Independence?
It depends on your priorities. Meridian has a cost index of 131 with median rent of $1,714/mo, while Independence has a cost index of 67 with rent of $1,061/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Meridian details → View Independence details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Meridian and Independence

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