Cost of Living: Meridian, ID vs Odessa, TX (2026)

Meridian

Idaho
131
VS

Odessa

Texas
83

Meridian is 58% more expensive than Odessa.

$1,714/mo ↑ 30%
Median Rent
$1,322/mo ↓ 23%
$98,686/yr ↑ 35%
Median Income
$73,030/yr ↓ 26%
$485,000 ↑ 133%
Home Value
$208,000 ↓ 57%
$1,607/mo ↑ 28%
Owner Costs
$1,251/mo ↓ 22%
124,865
Population
114,080

Tax Comparison

5.8%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.63%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

20.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Meridian, ID and Odessa, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 131 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $392/month cheaper in Odessa, saving renters about $4,704/year.

Median household income is $25,656/year higher in Meridian. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Meridian is $485,000 compared to $208,000 in Odessa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Meridian vs Odessa — common questions

Is Meridian or Odessa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Odessa is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 131 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Meridian and Odessa?
Median rent in Meridian is $1,714/month and in Odessa it's $1,322/month — a difference of $392/month.
Which city has higher income, Meridian or Odessa?
Median household income is $98,686 in Meridian and $73,030 in Odessa. Median household income is $25,656/year higher in Meridian.
How do taxes compare between Idaho and Texas?
Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Meridian or Odessa?
It depends on your priorities. Meridian has a cost index of 131 with median rent of $1,714/mo, while Odessa has a cost index of 83 with rent of $1,322/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Meridian details → View Odessa details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Meridian and Odessa

Meridian vs. Palm Bay Meridian vs. Vallejo Meridian vs. Allentown Meridian vs. Round Rock Meridian vs. Thousand Oaks Meridian vs. Concord Odessa vs. Elgin Odessa vs. Springfield Odessa vs. Provo Odessa vs. Beaumont Odessa vs. Waterbury Odessa vs. Gresham