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

Meridian

Idaho
131
VS

Springfield

Illinois
61

Meridian is 115% more expensive than Springfield.

$1,714/mo ↑ 81%
Median Rent
$945/mo ↓ 45%
$98,686/yr ↑ 51%
Median Income
$65,537/yr ↓ 34%
$485,000 ↑ 212%
Home Value
$155,200 ↓ 68%
$1,607/mo ↑ 65%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↓ 39%
124,865
Population
113,714

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
17.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Meridian, ID and Springfield, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 131 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $769/month cheaper in Springfield, saving renters about $9,228/year.

Median household income is $33,149/year higher in Meridian. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Meridian is $485,000 compared to $155,200 in Springfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Meridian vs Springfield — common questions

Is Meridian or Springfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Springfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 131 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Meridian and Springfield?
Median rent in Meridian is $1,714/month and in Springfield it's $945/month — a difference of $769/month.
Which city has higher income, Meridian or Springfield?
Median household income is $98,686 in Meridian and $65,537 in Springfield. Median household income is $33,149/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 Springfield?
It depends on your priorities. Meridian has a cost index of 131 with median rent of $1,714/mo, while Springfield has a cost index of 61 with rent of $945/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Meridian details → View Springfield details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Meridian and Springfield

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