Cost of Living: Reno, NV vs Meridian, ID (2026)

Reno

Nevada
122
VS

Meridian

Idaho
131

Reno is 7% cheaper than Meridian.

$1,453/mo ↓ 15%
Median Rent
$1,714/mo ↑ 18%
$78,448/yr ↓ 21%
Median Income
$98,686/yr ↑ 26%
$498,600 ↑ 3%
Home Value
$485,000 ↓ 3%
$1,482/mo ↓ 8%
Owner Costs
$1,607/mo ↑ 8%
268,959
Population
124,865

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.8%
6.85%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.53%
Property Tax
0.63%

Affordability

22.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Reno, NV and Meridian, ID, the overall cost of living indices are 122 and 131 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $261/month cheaper in Reno, saving renters about $3,132/year.

Median household income is $20,238/year higher in Meridian. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Reno is $498,600 compared to $485,000 in Meridian.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Reno vs Meridian — common questions

Is Reno or Meridian cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Reno is cheaper to live in with an index of 122 compared to 131 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Reno and Meridian?
Median rent in Reno is $1,453/month and in Meridian it's $1,714/month — a difference of $261/month.
Which city has higher income, Reno or Meridian?
Median household income is $78,448 in Reno and $98,686 in Meridian. Median household income is $20,238/year higher in Meridian.
How do taxes compare between Nevada and Idaho?
Nevada has 0% income tax, 6.85% sales tax, and 0.53% property tax. Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax.
Should I move to Reno or Meridian?
It depends on your priorities. Reno has a cost index of 122 with median rent of $1,453/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 Reno details → View Meridian details →

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