Cost of Living: Meridian, ID vs Provo, UT (2026)

Meridian

Idaho
131
VS

Provo

Utah
102

Meridian is 28% more expensive than Provo.

$1,714/mo ↑ 49%
Median Rent
$1,152/mo ↓ 33%
$98,686/yr ↑ 57%
Median Income
$62,800/yr ↓ 36%
$485,000 ↑ 11%
Home Value
$437,100 ↓ 10%
$1,607/mo ↑ 32%
Owner Costs
$1,220/mo ↓ 24%
124,865
Population
114,303

Tax Comparison

5.8%
Income Tax
4.65%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.1%
0.63%
Property Tax
0.58%

Affordability

20.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Meridian, ID and Provo, UT, the overall cost of living indices are 131 and 102 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $562/month cheaper in Provo, saving renters about $6,744/year.

Median household income is $35,886/year higher in Meridian. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Meridian is $485,000 compared to $437,100 in Provo.

Utah has a lower income tax rate, making Provo slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Meridian vs Provo — common questions

Is Meridian or Provo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Provo is cheaper to live in with an index of 102 compared to 131 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Meridian and Provo?
Median rent in Meridian is $1,714/month and in Provo it's $1,152/month — a difference of $562/month.
Which city has higher income, Meridian or Provo?
Median household income is $98,686 in Meridian and $62,800 in Provo. Median household income is $35,886/year higher in Meridian.
How do taxes compare between Idaho and Utah?
Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax. Utah has 4.65% income tax, 6.1% sales tax, and 0.58% property tax.
Should I move to Meridian or Provo?
It depends on your priorities. Meridian has a cost index of 131 with median rent of $1,714/mo, while Provo has a cost index of 102 with rent of $1,152/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Meridian details → View Provo details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Meridian and Provo

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