Cost of Living: Meridian, ID vs Tuscaloosa, AL (2026)

Meridian

Idaho
131
VS

Tuscaloosa

Alabama
73

Meridian is 79% more expensive than Tuscaloosa.

$1,714/mo ↑ 71%
Median Rent
$1,005/mo ↓ 41%
$98,686/yr ↑ 103%
Median Income
$48,536/yr ↓ 51%
$485,000 ↑ 105%
Home Value
$236,600 ↓ 51%
$1,607/mo ↑ 55%
Owner Costs
$1,038/mo ↓ 35%
124,865
Population
107,699

Tax Comparison

5.8%
Income Tax
5.0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.63%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

20.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Meridian, ID and Tuscaloosa, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 131 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $709/month cheaper in Tuscaloosa, saving renters about $8,508/year.

Median household income is $50,150/year higher in Meridian. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Meridian is $485,000 compared to $236,600 in Tuscaloosa.

Alabama has a lower income tax rate, making Tuscaloosa slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Meridian vs Tuscaloosa — common questions

Is Meridian or Tuscaloosa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tuscaloosa is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 131 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Meridian and Tuscaloosa?
Median rent in Meridian is $1,714/month and in Tuscaloosa it's $1,005/month — a difference of $709/month.
Which city has higher income, Meridian or Tuscaloosa?
Median household income is $98,686 in Meridian and $48,536 in Tuscaloosa. Median household income is $50,150/year higher in Meridian.
How do taxes compare between Idaho and Alabama?
Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Meridian or Tuscaloosa?
It depends on your priorities. Meridian has a cost index of 131 with median rent of $1,714/mo, while Tuscaloosa has a cost index of 73 with rent of $1,005/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Meridian details → View Tuscaloosa details →

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