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

Meridian

Idaho
131
VS

Round Rock

Texas
122

Meridian is 9% more expensive than Round Rock.

$1,714/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,713/mo ≈ Same
$98,686/yr ↑ 2%
Median Income
$97,187/yr ↓ 2%
$485,000 ↑ 26%
Home Value
$383,700 ↓ 21%
$1,607/mo ↓ 10%
Owner Costs
$1,781/mo ↑ 11%
124,865
Population
124,288

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

20.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Meridian, ID and Round Rock, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 131 and 122 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $1,499/year higher in Meridian. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Meridian is $485,000 compared to $383,700 in Round Rock.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Meridian vs Round Rock — common questions

Is Meridian or Round Rock cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Round Rock is cheaper to live in with an index of 122 compared to 131 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Meridian and Round Rock?
Median rent in Meridian is $1,714/month and in Round Rock it's $1,713/month — a difference of $1/month.
Which city has higher income, Meridian or Round Rock?
Median household income is $98,686 in Meridian and $97,187 in Round Rock. Median household income is $1,499/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 Round Rock?
It depends on your priorities. Meridian has a cost index of 131 with median rent of $1,714/mo, while Round Rock has a cost index of 122 with rent of $1,713/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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