Cost of Living: Meridian, ID vs The Woodlands, TX (2026)

Meridian

Idaho
131
VS

The Woodlands

Texas
139

Meridian is 6% cheaper than The Woodlands.

$1,714/mo ↓ 4%
Median Rent
$1,792/mo ↑ 5%
$98,686/yr ↓ 30%
Median Income
$141,353/yr ↑ 43%
$485,000 ↑ 1%
Home Value
$479,400 ↓ 1%
$1,607/mo ↓ 20%
Owner Costs
$2,005/mo ↑ 25%
124,865
Population
116,916

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

20.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
15.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Meridian, ID and The Woodlands, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 131 and 139 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $78/month cheaper in Meridian, saving renters about $936/year.

Median household income is $42,667/year higher in The Woodlands. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Meridian is $485,000 compared to $479,400 in The Woodlands.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Meridian vs The Woodlands — common questions

Is Meridian or The Woodlands cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Meridian is cheaper to live in with an index of 131 compared to 139 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Meridian and The Woodlands?
Median rent in Meridian is $1,714/month and in The Woodlands it's $1,792/month — a difference of $78/month.
Which city has higher income, Meridian or The Woodlands?
Median household income is $98,686 in Meridian and $141,353 in The Woodlands. Median household income is $42,667/year higher in The Woodlands.
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 The Woodlands?
It depends on your priorities. Meridian has a cost index of 131 with median rent of $1,714/mo, while The Woodlands has a cost index of 139 with rent of $1,792/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Meridian details → View The Woodlands details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Meridian and The Woodlands

Meridian vs. Palm Bay Meridian vs. Vallejo Meridian vs. Allentown Meridian vs. Round Rock Meridian vs. Thousand Oaks Meridian vs. Concord The Woodlands vs. Lakeland The Woodlands vs. Evansville The Woodlands vs. Clearwater The Woodlands vs. Brandon The Woodlands vs. North Charleston The Woodlands vs. West Jordan