Cost of Living: New York, NY vs Meridian, ID (2026)

New York

New York
166
VS

Meridian

Idaho
131

New York is 27% more expensive than Meridian.

$1,779/mo ↑ 4%
Median Rent
$1,714/mo ↓ 4%
$79,713/yr ↓ 19%
Median Income
$98,686/yr ↑ 24%
$751,700 ↑ 55%
Home Value
$485,000 ↓ 35%
$1,837/mo ↑ 14%
Owner Costs
$1,607/mo ↓ 13%
8,516,202
Population
124,865

Tax Comparison

10.9%
Income Tax
5.8%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.62%
Property Tax
0.63%

Affordability

26.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing New York, NY and Meridian, ID, the overall cost of living indices are 166 and 131 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $65/month cheaper in Meridian, saving renters about $780/year.

Median household income is $18,973/year higher in Meridian. Home values also differ significantly — the median in New York is $751,700 compared to $485,000 in Meridian.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

New York vs Meridian — common questions

Is New York or Meridian cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Meridian is cheaper to live in with an index of 131 compared to 166 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between New York and Meridian?
Median rent in New York is $1,779/month and in Meridian it's $1,714/month — a difference of $65/month.
Which city has higher income, New York or Meridian?
Median household income is $79,713 in New York and $98,686 in Meridian. Median household income is $18,973/year higher in Meridian.
How do taxes compare between New York and Idaho?
New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax. Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax.
Should I move to New York or Meridian?
It depends on your priorities. New York has a cost index of 166 with median rent of $1,779/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 York details → View Meridian details →

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