Cost of Living: Meridian, ID vs Waterbury, CT (2026)

Meridian

Idaho
131
VS

Waterbury

Connecticut
76

Meridian is 72% more expensive than Waterbury.

$1,714/mo ↑ 45%
Median Rent
$1,180/mo ↓ 31%
$98,686/yr ↑ 91%
Median Income
$51,642/yr ↓ 48%
$485,000 ↑ 162%
Home Value
$185,400 ↓ 62%
$1,607/mo ↑ 26%
Owner Costs
$1,273/mo ↓ 21%
124,865
Population
114,356

Tax Comparison

5.8%
Income Tax
6.99%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.35%
0.63%
Property Tax
2.15%

Affordability

20.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Meridian, ID and Waterbury, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 131 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $534/month cheaper in Waterbury, saving renters about $6,408/year.

Median household income is $47,044/year higher in Meridian. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Meridian is $485,000 compared to $185,400 in Waterbury.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Meridian vs Waterbury — common questions

Is Meridian or Waterbury cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Waterbury is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 131 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Meridian and Waterbury?
Median rent in Meridian is $1,714/month and in Waterbury it's $1,180/month — a difference of $534/month.
Which city has higher income, Meridian or Waterbury?
Median household income is $98,686 in Meridian and $51,642 in Waterbury. Median household income is $47,044/year higher in Meridian.
How do taxes compare between Idaho and Connecticut?
Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax. Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax.
Should I move to Meridian or Waterbury?
It depends on your priorities. Meridian has a cost index of 131 with median rent of $1,714/mo, while Waterbury has a cost index of 76 with rent of $1,180/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Meridian details → View Waterbury details →

More Comparisons

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