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

Midland

Texas
99
VS

Meridian

Idaho
131

Midland is 24% cheaper than Meridian.

$1,407/mo ↓ 18%
Median Rent
$1,714/mo ↑ 22%
$91,169/yr ↓ 8%
Median Income
$98,686/yr ↑ 8%
$298,600 ↓ 38%
Home Value
$485,000 ↑ 62%
$1,468/mo ↓ 9%
Owner Costs
$1,607/mo ↑ 9%
133,998
Population
124,865

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

18.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Midland, TX and Meridian, ID, the overall cost of living indices are 99 and 131 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $307/month cheaper in Midland, saving renters about $3,684/year.

Median household income is $7,517/year higher in Meridian. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Midland is $298,600 compared to $485,000 in Meridian.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Midland vs Meridian — common questions

Is Midland or Meridian cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Midland is cheaper to live in with an index of 99 compared to 131 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Midland and Meridian?
Median rent in Midland is $1,407/month and in Meridian it's $1,714/month — a difference of $307/month.
Which city has higher income, Midland or Meridian?
Median household income is $91,169 in Midland and $98,686 in Meridian. Median household income is $7,517/year higher in Meridian.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Idaho?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax.
Should I move to Midland or Meridian?
It depends on your priorities. Midland has a cost index of 99 with median rent of $1,407/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 Midland details → View Meridian details →

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