Cost of Living: Portland, OR vs Meridian, ID (2026)

Portland

Oregon
138
VS

Meridian

Idaho
131

Portland is 5% more expensive than Meridian.

$1,596/mo ↓ 7%
Median Rent
$1,714/mo ↑ 7%
$88,792/yr ↓ 10%
Median Income
$98,686/yr ↑ 11%
$557,600 ↑ 15%
Home Value
$485,000 ↓ 13%
$1,771/mo ↑ 10%
Owner Costs
$1,607/mo ↓ 9%
642,715
Population
124,865

Tax Comparison

9.9%
Income Tax
5.8%
0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.93%
Property Tax
0.63%

Affordability

21.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Portland, OR and Meridian, ID, the overall cost of living indices are 138 and 131 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $118/month cheaper in Portland, saving renters about $1,416/year.

Median household income is $9,894/year higher in Meridian. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Portland is $557,600 compared to $485,000 in Meridian.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Portland vs Meridian — common questions

Is Portland or Meridian cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Meridian is cheaper to live in with an index of 131 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Portland and Meridian?
Median rent in Portland is $1,596/month and in Meridian it's $1,714/month — a difference of $118/month.
Which city has higher income, Portland or Meridian?
Median household income is $88,792 in Portland and $98,686 in Meridian. Median household income is $9,894/year higher in Meridian.
How do taxes compare between Oregon and Idaho?
Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax.
Should I move to Portland or Meridian?
It depends on your priorities. Portland has a cost index of 138 with median rent of $1,596/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 Portland details → View Meridian details →

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