Cost of Living: Newark, NJ vs Meridian, ID (2026)

Newark

New Jersey
100
VS

Meridian

Idaho
131

Newark is 24% cheaper than Meridian.

$1,330/mo ↓ 22%
Median Rent
$1,714/mo ↑ 29%
$48,416/yr ↓ 51%
Median Income
$98,686/yr ↑ 104%
$337,800 ↓ 30%
Home Value
$485,000 ↑ 44%
$1,419/mo ↓ 12%
Owner Costs
$1,607/mo ↑ 13%
307,188
Population
124,865

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
5.8%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
2.23%
Property Tax
0.63%

Affordability

33.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Newark, NJ and Meridian, ID, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 131 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $384/month cheaper in Newark, saving renters about $4,608/year.

Median household income is $50,270/year higher in Meridian. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Newark is $337,800 compared to $485,000 in Meridian.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Newark vs Meridian — common questions

Is Newark or Meridian cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Newark is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 131 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Newark and Meridian?
Median rent in Newark is $1,330/month and in Meridian it's $1,714/month — a difference of $384/month.
Which city has higher income, Newark or Meridian?
Median household income is $48,416 in Newark and $98,686 in Meridian. Median household income is $50,270/year higher in Meridian.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and Idaho?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax.
Should I move to Newark or Meridian?
It depends on your priorities. Newark has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,330/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 Newark details → View Meridian details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Newark and Meridian

Newark vs. St. Paul Newark vs. Pittsburgh Newark vs. Irvine Newark vs. Greensboro Newark vs. Cincinnati Newark vs. St. Louis Meridian vs. Palm Bay Meridian vs. Vallejo Meridian vs. Allentown Meridian vs. Round Rock Meridian vs. Thousand Oaks Meridian vs. Concord