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

New Haven

Connecticut
95
VS

Meridian

Idaho
131

New Haven is 27% cheaper than Meridian.

$1,442/mo ↓ 16%
Median Rent
$1,714/mo ↑ 19%
$53,771/yr ↓ 46%
Median Income
$98,686/yr ↑ 84%
$249,000 ↓ 49%
Home Value
$485,000 ↑ 95%
$1,520/mo ↓ 5%
Owner Costs
$1,607/mo ↑ 6%
132,893
Population
124,865

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

32.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing New Haven, CT and Meridian, ID, the overall cost of living indices are 95 and 131 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $272/month cheaper in New Haven, saving renters about $3,264/year.

Median household income is $44,915/year higher in Meridian. Home values also differ significantly — the median in New Haven is $249,000 compared to $485,000 in Meridian.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

New Haven vs Meridian — common questions

Is New Haven or Meridian cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, New Haven is cheaper to live in with an index of 95 compared to 131 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between New Haven and Meridian?
Median rent in New Haven is $1,442/month and in Meridian it's $1,714/month — a difference of $272/month.
Which city has higher income, New Haven or Meridian?
Median household income is $53,771 in New Haven and $98,686 in Meridian. Median household income is $44,915/year higher in Meridian.
How do taxes compare between Connecticut and Idaho?
Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax. Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax.
Should I move to New Haven or Meridian?
It depends on your priorities. New Haven has a cost index of 95 with median rent of $1,442/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 New Haven details → View Meridian details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for New Haven and Meridian

New Haven vs. Sterling Heights New Haven vs. Carrollton New Haven vs. Coral Springs New Haven vs. Santa Clara New Haven vs. Midland New Haven vs. Fargo Meridian vs. Palm Bay Meridian vs. Vallejo Meridian vs. Allentown Meridian vs. Round Rock Meridian vs. Thousand Oaks Meridian vs. Concord