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

Meridian

Idaho
131
VS

Miami Gardens

Florida
115

Meridian is 14% more expensive than Miami Gardens.

$1,714/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,709/mo ≈ Same
$98,686/yr ↑ 62%
Median Income
$60,979/yr ↓ 38%
$485,000 ↑ 44%
Home Value
$337,200 ↓ 30%
$1,607/mo ↓ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,640/mo ↑ 2%
124,865
Population
111,264

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
33.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Meridian, ID and Miami Gardens, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 131 and 115 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $37,707/year higher in Meridian. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Meridian is $485,000 compared to $337,200 in Miami Gardens.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Meridian vs Miami Gardens — common questions

Is Meridian or Miami Gardens cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Miami Gardens is cheaper to live in with an index of 115 compared to 131 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Meridian and Miami Gardens?
Median rent in Meridian is $1,714/month and in Miami Gardens it's $1,709/month — a difference of $5/month.
Which city has higher income, Meridian or Miami Gardens?
Median household income is $98,686 in Meridian and $60,979 in Miami Gardens. Median household income is $37,707/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 Miami Gardens?
It depends on your priorities. Meridian has a cost index of 131 with median rent of $1,714/mo, while Miami Gardens has a cost index of 115 with rent of $1,709/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Meridian details → View Miami Gardens details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Meridian and Miami Gardens

Meridian vs. Palm Bay Meridian vs. Vallejo Meridian vs. Allentown Meridian vs. Round Rock Meridian vs. Thousand Oaks Meridian vs. Concord Miami Gardens vs. Pueblo Miami Gardens vs. Everett Miami Gardens vs. Murrieta Miami Gardens vs. Costa Mesa Miami Gardens vs. Downey Miami Gardens vs. Temecula