Cost of Living: Meridian, ID vs Lowell, MA (2026)

Meridian

Idaho
131
VS

Lowell

Massachusetts
119

Meridian is 10% more expensive than Lowell.

$1,714/mo ↑ 7%
Median Rent
$1,603/mo ↓ 6%
$98,686/yr ↑ 30%
Median Income
$76,205/yr ↓ 23%
$485,000 ↑ 23%
Home Value
$395,100 ↓ 19%
$1,607/mo ↓ 4%
Owner Costs
$1,672/mo ↑ 4%
124,865
Population
114,799

Tax Comparison

5.8%
Income Tax
9.0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.63%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

20.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Meridian, ID and Lowell, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 131 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $111/month cheaper in Lowell, saving renters about $1,332/year.

Median household income is $22,481/year higher in Meridian. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Meridian is $485,000 compared to $395,100 in Lowell.

Idaho has a lower income tax rate, making Meridian slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Meridian vs Lowell — common questions

Is Meridian or Lowell cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lowell is cheaper to live in with an index of 119 compared to 131 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Meridian and Lowell?
Median rent in Meridian is $1,714/month and in Lowell it's $1,603/month — a difference of $111/month.
Which city has higher income, Meridian or Lowell?
Median household income is $98,686 in Meridian and $76,205 in Lowell. Median household income is $22,481/year higher in Meridian.
How do taxes compare between Idaho and Massachusetts?
Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Meridian or Lowell?
It depends on your priorities. Meridian has a cost index of 131 with median rent of $1,714/mo, while Lowell has a cost index of 119 with rent of $1,603/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Meridian details → View Lowell details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Meridian and Lowell

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