Cost of Living: Raleigh, NC vs Meridian, ID (2026)

Raleigh

North Carolina
110
VS

Meridian

Idaho
131

Raleigh is 16% cheaper than Meridian.

$1,468/mo ↓ 14%
Median Rent
$1,714/mo ↑ 17%
$82,424/yr ↓ 16%
Median Income
$98,686/yr ↑ 20%
$377,800 ↓ 22%
Home Value
$485,000 ↑ 28%
$1,487/mo ↓ 7%
Owner Costs
$1,607/mo ↑ 8%
470,763
Population
124,865

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
5.8%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.63%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Raleigh, NC and Meridian, ID, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 131 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $246/month cheaper in Raleigh, saving renters about $2,952/year.

Median household income is $16,262/year higher in Meridian. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Raleigh is $377,800 compared to $485,000 in Meridian.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Raleigh slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Raleigh vs Meridian — common questions

Is Raleigh or Meridian cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Raleigh is cheaper to live in with an index of 110 compared to 131 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Raleigh and Meridian?
Median rent in Raleigh is $1,468/month and in Meridian it's $1,714/month — a difference of $246/month.
Which city has higher income, Raleigh or Meridian?
Median household income is $82,424 in Raleigh and $98,686 in Meridian. Median household income is $16,262/year higher in Meridian.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Idaho?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax.
Should I move to Raleigh or Meridian?
It depends on your priorities. Raleigh has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,468/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 Raleigh details → View Meridian details →

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