Cost of Living: Providence, RI vs Meridian, ID (2026)

Providence

Rhode Island
99
VS

Meridian

Idaho
131

Providence is 24% cheaper than Meridian.

$1,333/mo ↓ 22%
Median Rent
$1,714/mo ↑ 29%
$66,772/yr ↓ 32%
Median Income
$98,686/yr ↑ 48%
$322,800 ↓ 33%
Home Value
$485,000 ↑ 50%
$1,467/mo ↓ 9%
Owner Costs
$1,607/mo ↑ 10%
190,214
Population
124,865

Tax Comparison

5.99%
Income Tax
5.8%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.53%
Property Tax
0.63%

Affordability

24.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Providence, RI and Meridian, ID, the overall cost of living indices are 99 and 131 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $381/month cheaper in Providence, saving renters about $4,572/year.

Median household income is $31,914/year higher in Meridian. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Providence is $322,800 compared to $485,000 in Meridian.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Providence vs Meridian — common questions

Is Providence or Meridian cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Providence is cheaper to live in with an index of 99 compared to 131 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Providence and Meridian?
Median rent in Providence is $1,333/month and in Meridian it's $1,714/month — a difference of $381/month.
Which city has higher income, Providence or Meridian?
Median household income is $66,772 in Providence and $98,686 in Meridian. Median household income is $31,914/year higher in Meridian.
How do taxes compare between Rhode Island and Idaho?
Rhode Island has 5.99% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax.
Should I move to Providence or Meridian?
It depends on your priorities. Providence has a cost index of 99 with median rent of $1,333/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 Providence details → View Meridian details →

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