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

Meridian

Idaho
131
VS

Lakeland

Florida
82

Meridian is 60% more expensive than Lakeland.

$1,714/mo ↑ 32%
Median Rent
$1,299/mo ↓ 24%
$98,686/yr ↑ 62%
Median Income
$60,947/yr ↓ 38%
$485,000 ↑ 112%
Home Value
$229,100 ↓ 53%
$1,607/mo ↑ 40%
Owner Costs
$1,149/mo ↓ 29%
124,865
Population
117,030

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
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Meridian, ID and Lakeland, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 131 and 82 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $415/month cheaper in Lakeland, saving renters about $4,980/year.

Median household income is $37,739/year higher in Meridian. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Meridian is $485,000 compared to $229,100 in Lakeland.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Meridian vs Lakeland — common questions

Is Meridian or Lakeland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lakeland is cheaper to live in with an index of 82 compared to 131 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Meridian and Lakeland?
Median rent in Meridian is $1,714/month and in Lakeland it's $1,299/month — a difference of $415/month.
Which city has higher income, Meridian or Lakeland?
Median household income is $98,686 in Meridian and $60,947 in Lakeland. Median household income is $37,739/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 Lakeland?
It depends on your priorities. Meridian has a cost index of 131 with median rent of $1,714/mo, while Lakeland has a cost index of 82 with rent of $1,299/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Meridian details → View Lakeland details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Meridian and Lakeland

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