Cost of Living: Mesa, AZ vs Meridian, ID (2026)

Mesa

Arizona
107
VS

Meridian

Idaho
131

Mesa is 18% cheaper than Meridian.

$1,478/mo ↓ 14%
Median Rent
$1,714/mo ↑ 16%
$78,779/yr ↓ 20%
Median Income
$98,686/yr ↑ 25%
$364,300 ↓ 25%
Home Value
$485,000 ↑ 33%
$1,404/mo ↓ 13%
Owner Costs
$1,607/mo ↑ 14%
507,478
Population
124,865

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
5.8%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.63%

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Mesa, AZ and Meridian, ID, the overall cost of living indices are 107 and 131 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $236/month cheaper in Mesa, saving renters about $2,832/year.

Median household income is $19,907/year higher in Meridian. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Mesa is $364,300 compared to $485,000 in Meridian.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Mesa slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Mesa vs Meridian — common questions

Is Mesa or Meridian cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Mesa is cheaper to live in with an index of 107 compared to 131 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Mesa and Meridian?
Median rent in Mesa is $1,478/month and in Meridian it's $1,714/month — a difference of $236/month.
Which city has higher income, Mesa or Meridian?
Median household income is $78,779 in Mesa and $98,686 in Meridian. Median household income is $19,907/year higher in Meridian.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Idaho?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax.
Should I move to Mesa or Meridian?
It depends on your priorities. Mesa has a cost index of 107 with median rent of $1,478/mo, while Meridian has a cost index of 131 with rent of $1,714/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Mesa details → View Meridian details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Mesa and Meridian

Mesa vs. Kansas City Mesa vs. Atlanta Mesa vs. Sacramento Mesa vs. Omaha Mesa vs. Tucson Mesa vs. Colorado Springs Meridian vs. Palm Bay Meridian vs. Vallejo Meridian vs. Allentown Meridian vs. Round Rock Meridian vs. Thousand Oaks Meridian vs. Concord