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

Pasadena

Texas
76
VS

Meridian

Idaho
131

Pasadena is 42% cheaper than Meridian.

$1,201/mo ↓ 30%
Median Rent
$1,714/mo ↑ 43%
$64,270/yr ↓ 35%
Median Income
$98,686/yr ↑ 54%
$193,600 ↓ 60%
Home Value
$485,000 ↑ 151%
$1,141/mo ↓ 29%
Owner Costs
$1,607/mo ↑ 41%
149,345
Population
124,865

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Pasadena, TX and Meridian, ID, the overall cost of living indices are 76 and 131 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $513/month cheaper in Pasadena, saving renters about $6,156/year.

Median household income is $34,416/year higher in Meridian. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Pasadena is $193,600 compared to $485,000 in Meridian.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Pasadena vs Meridian — common questions

Is Pasadena or Meridian cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Pasadena is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 131 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Pasadena and Meridian?
Median rent in Pasadena is $1,201/month and in Meridian it's $1,714/month — a difference of $513/month.
Which city has higher income, Pasadena or Meridian?
Median household income is $64,270 in Pasadena and $98,686 in Meridian. Median household income is $34,416/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 Pasadena or Meridian?
It depends on your priorities. Pasadena has a cost index of 76 with median rent of $1,201/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 Pasadena details → View Meridian details →

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