Cost of Living: Rochester, NY vs Meridian, ID (2026)

Rochester

New York
61
VS

Meridian

Idaho
131

Rochester is 53% cheaper than Meridian.

$1,039/mo ↓ 39%
Median Rent
$1,714/mo ↑ 65%
$46,628/yr ↓ 53%
Median Income
$98,686/yr ↑ 112%
$120,600 ↓ 75%
Home Value
$485,000 ↑ 302%
$1,009/mo ↓ 37%
Owner Costs
$1,607/mo ↑ 59%
209,720
Population
124,865

Tax Comparison

10.9%
Income Tax
5.8%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.62%
Property Tax
0.63%

Affordability

26.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Rochester, NY and Meridian, ID, the overall cost of living indices are 61 and 131 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $675/month cheaper in Rochester, saving renters about $8,100/year.

Median household income is $52,058/year higher in Meridian. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Rochester is $120,600 compared to $485,000 in Meridian.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Rochester vs Meridian — common questions

Is Rochester or Meridian cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rochester is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 131 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Rochester and Meridian?
Median rent in Rochester is $1,039/month and in Meridian it's $1,714/month — a difference of $675/month.
Which city has higher income, Rochester or Meridian?
Median household income is $46,628 in Rochester and $98,686 in Meridian. Median household income is $52,058/year higher in Meridian.
How do taxes compare between New York and Idaho?
New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax. Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax.
Should I move to Rochester or Meridian?
It depends on your priorities. Rochester has a cost index of 61 with median rent of $1,039/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 Rochester details → View Meridian details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Rochester and Meridian

Rochester vs. Frisco Rochester vs. Fayetteville Rochester vs. Moreno Valley Rochester vs. Yonkers Rochester vs. Fontana Rochester vs. Cape Coral Meridian vs. Palm Bay Meridian vs. Vallejo Meridian vs. Allentown Meridian vs. Round Rock Meridian vs. Thousand Oaks Meridian vs. Concord