Cost of Living: Meridian, ID vs Rochester, MN (2026)

Meridian

Idaho
131
VS

Rochester

Minnesota
93

Meridian is 41% more expensive than Rochester.

$1,714/mo ↑ 30%
Median Rent
$1,316/mo ↓ 23%
$98,686/yr ↑ 12%
Median Income
$87,767/yr ↓ 11%
$485,000 ↑ 69%
Home Value
$287,500 ↓ 41%
$1,607/mo ↑ 21%
Owner Costs
$1,332/mo ↓ 17%
124,865
Population
121,638

Tax Comparison

5.8%
Income Tax
9.85%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.875%
0.63%
Property Tax
1.11%

Affordability

20.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Meridian, ID and Rochester, MN, the overall cost of living indices are 131 and 93 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $398/month cheaper in Rochester, saving renters about $4,776/year.

Median household income is $10,919/year higher in Meridian. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Meridian is $485,000 compared to $287,500 in Rochester.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Meridian vs Rochester — common questions

Is Meridian or Rochester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rochester is cheaper to live in with an index of 93 compared to 131 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Meridian and Rochester?
Median rent in Meridian is $1,714/month and in Rochester it's $1,316/month — a difference of $398/month.
Which city has higher income, Meridian or Rochester?
Median household income is $98,686 in Meridian and $87,767 in Rochester. Median household income is $10,919/year higher in Meridian.
How do taxes compare between Idaho and Minnesota?
Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax. Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax.
Should I move to Meridian or Rochester?
It depends on your priorities. Meridian has a cost index of 131 with median rent of $1,714/mo, while Rochester has a cost index of 93 with rent of $1,316/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Meridian details → View Rochester details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Meridian and Rochester

Meridian vs. Palm Bay Meridian vs. Vallejo Meridian vs. Allentown Meridian vs. Round Rock Meridian vs. Thousand Oaks Meridian vs. Concord Rochester vs. Independence Rochester vs. Lafayette Rochester vs. College Station Rochester vs. Ann Arbor Rochester vs. Clovis Rochester vs. Berkeley