Cost of Living: Meridian, ID vs Peoria, IL (2026)

Meridian

Idaho
131
VS

Peoria

Illinois
61

Meridian is 115% more expensive than Peoria.

$1,714/mo ↑ 80%
Median Rent
$951/mo ↓ 45%
$98,686/yr ↑ 68%
Median Income
$58,716/yr ↓ 41%
$485,000 ↑ 224%
Home Value
$149,500 ↓ 69%
$1,607/mo ↑ 60%
Owner Costs
$1,007/mo ↓ 37%
124,865
Population
112,126

Tax Comparison

5.8%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.63%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

20.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Meridian, ID and Peoria, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 131 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $763/month cheaper in Peoria, saving renters about $9,156/year.

Median household income is $39,970/year higher in Meridian. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Meridian is $485,000 compared to $149,500 in Peoria.

Illinois has a lower income tax rate, making Peoria slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Meridian vs Peoria — common questions

Is Meridian or Peoria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Peoria is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 131 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Meridian and Peoria?
Median rent in Meridian is $1,714/month and in Peoria it's $951/month — a difference of $763/month.
Which city has higher income, Meridian or Peoria?
Median household income is $98,686 in Meridian and $58,716 in Peoria. Median household income is $39,970/year higher in Meridian.
How do taxes compare between Idaho and Illinois?
Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Meridian or Peoria?
It depends on your priorities. Meridian has a cost index of 131 with median rent of $1,714/mo, while Peoria has a cost index of 61 with rent of $951/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Meridian details → View Peoria details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Meridian and Peoria

Meridian vs. Palm Bay Meridian vs. Vallejo Meridian vs. Allentown Meridian vs. Round Rock Meridian vs. Thousand Oaks Meridian vs. Concord Peoria vs. Pompano Beach Peoria vs. Downey Peoria vs. Lansing Peoria vs. Murrieta Peoria vs. Las Cruces Peoria vs. Pueblo