Cost of Living: Philadelphia, PA vs Meridian, ID (2026)

Philadelphia

Pennsylvania
85
VS

Meridian

Idaho
131

Philadelphia is 35% cheaper than Meridian.

$1,323/mo ↓ 23%
Median Rent
$1,714/mo ↑ 30%
$60,698/yr ↓ 38%
Median Income
$98,686/yr ↑ 63%
$232,400 ↓ 52%
Home Value
$485,000 ↑ 109%
$1,233/mo ↓ 23%
Owner Costs
$1,607/mo ↑ 30%
1,582,432
Population
124,865

Tax Comparison

3.07%
Income Tax
5.8%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.49%
Property Tax
0.63%

Affordability

26.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Philadelphia, PA and Meridian, ID, the overall cost of living indices are 85 and 131 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $391/month cheaper in Philadelphia, saving renters about $4,692/year.

Median household income is $37,988/year higher in Meridian. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Philadelphia is $232,400 compared to $485,000 in Meridian.

Pennsylvania has a lower income tax rate, making Philadelphia slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Philadelphia vs Meridian — common questions

Is Philadelphia or Meridian cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Philadelphia is cheaper to live in with an index of 85 compared to 131 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Philadelphia and Meridian?
Median rent in Philadelphia is $1,323/month and in Meridian it's $1,714/month — a difference of $391/month.
Which city has higher income, Philadelphia or Meridian?
Median household income is $60,698 in Philadelphia and $98,686 in Meridian. Median household income is $37,988/year higher in Meridian.
How do taxes compare between Pennsylvania and Idaho?
Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax. Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax.
Should I move to Philadelphia or Meridian?
It depends on your priorities. Philadelphia has a cost index of 85 with median rent of $1,323/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 Philadelphia details → View Meridian details →

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