Cost of Living: Meridian, ID vs West Palm Beach, FL (2026)

Meridian

Idaho
131
VS

West Palm Beach

Florida
119

Meridian is 10% more expensive than West Palm Beach.

$1,714/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,709/mo ≈ Same
$98,686/yr ↑ 42%
Median Income
$69,261/yr ↓ 30%
$485,000 ↑ 31%
Home Value
$369,800 ↓ 24%
$1,607/mo ↓ 4%
Owner Costs
$1,667/mo ↑ 4%
124,865
Population
119,508

Tax Comparison

5.8%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.63%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

20.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
29.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Meridian, ID and West Palm Beach, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 131 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $29,425/year higher in Meridian. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Meridian is $485,000 compared to $369,800 in West Palm Beach.

Florida has no state income tax, giving West Palm Beach residents a significant tax advantage over Idaho's 5.8% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Meridian vs West Palm Beach — common questions

Is Meridian or West Palm Beach cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, West Palm Beach is cheaper to live in with an index of 119 compared to 131 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Meridian and West Palm Beach?
Median rent in Meridian is $1,714/month and in West Palm Beach it's $1,709/month — a difference of $5/month.
Which city has higher income, Meridian or West Palm Beach?
Median household income is $98,686 in Meridian and $69,261 in West Palm Beach. Median household income is $29,425/year higher in Meridian.
How do taxes compare between Idaho and Florida?
Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Meridian or West Palm Beach?
It depends on your priorities. Meridian has a cost index of 131 with median rent of $1,714/mo, while West Palm Beach has a cost index of 119 with rent of $1,709/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Meridian details → View West Palm Beach details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Meridian and West Palm Beach

Meridian vs. Palm Bay Meridian vs. Vallejo Meridian vs. Allentown Meridian vs. Round Rock Meridian vs. Thousand Oaks Meridian vs. Concord West Palm Beach vs. Hartford West Palm Beach vs. Spring Hill West Palm Beach vs. Fairfield West Palm Beach vs. Wilmington West Palm Beach vs. Berkeley West Palm Beach vs. Billings