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

Montgomery

Alabama
64
VS

Meridian

Idaho
131

Montgomery is 51% cheaper than Meridian.

$1,059/mo ↓ 38%
Median Rent
$1,714/mo ↑ 62%
$55,687/yr ↓ 44%
Median Income
$98,686/yr ↑ 77%
$148,500 ↓ 69%
Home Value
$485,000 ↑ 227%
$1,023/mo ↓ 36%
Owner Costs
$1,607/mo ↑ 57%
198,440
Population
124,865

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Montgomery, AL and Meridian, ID, the overall cost of living indices are 64 and 131 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $655/month cheaper in Montgomery, saving renters about $7,860/year.

Median household income is $42,999/year higher in Meridian. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Montgomery is $148,500 compared to $485,000 in Meridian.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Montgomery vs Meridian — common questions

Is Montgomery or Meridian cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Montgomery is cheaper to live in with an index of 64 compared to 131 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Montgomery and Meridian?
Median rent in Montgomery is $1,059/month and in Meridian it's $1,714/month — a difference of $655/month.
Which city has higher income, Montgomery or Meridian?
Median household income is $55,687 in Montgomery and $98,686 in Meridian. Median household income is $42,999/year higher in Meridian.
How do taxes compare between Alabama and Idaho?
Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax. Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax.
Should I move to Montgomery or Meridian?
It depends on your priorities. Montgomery has a cost index of 64 with median rent of $1,059/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 Montgomery details → View Meridian details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Montgomery and Meridian

Montgomery vs. Grand Prairie Montgomery vs. Grand Rapids Montgomery vs. Sunrise Manor Montgomery vs. Sioux Falls Montgomery vs. Birmingham Montgomery vs. Overland Park Meridian vs. Palm Bay Meridian vs. Vallejo Meridian vs. Allentown Meridian vs. Round Rock Meridian vs. Thousand Oaks Meridian vs. Concord