Cost of Living: Salt Lake City, UT vs Meridian, ID (2026)

Salt Lake City

Utah
117
VS

Meridian

Idaho
131

Salt Lake City is 11% cheaper than Meridian.

$1,343/mo ↓ 22%
Median Rent
$1,714/mo ↑ 28%
$74,925/yr ↓ 24%
Median Income
$98,686/yr ↑ 32%
$495,700 ↑ 2%
Home Value
$485,000 ↓ 2%
$1,394/mo ↓ 13%
Owner Costs
$1,607/mo ↑ 15%
203,888
Population
124,865

Tax Comparison

4.65%
Income Tax
5.8%
6.1%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.58%
Property Tax
0.63%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Salt Lake City, UT and Meridian, ID, the overall cost of living indices are 117 and 131 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $371/month cheaper in Salt Lake City, saving renters about $4,452/year.

Median household income is $23,761/year higher in Meridian. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Salt Lake City is $495,700 compared to $485,000 in Meridian.

Utah has a lower income tax rate, making Salt Lake City slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Salt Lake City vs Meridian — common questions

Is Salt Lake City or Meridian cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Salt Lake City is cheaper to live in with an index of 117 compared to 131 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Salt Lake City and Meridian?
Median rent in Salt Lake City is $1,343/month and in Meridian it's $1,714/month — a difference of $371/month.
Which city has higher income, Salt Lake City or Meridian?
Median household income is $74,925 in Salt Lake City and $98,686 in Meridian. Median household income is $23,761/year higher in Meridian.
How do taxes compare between Utah and Idaho?
Utah has 4.65% income tax, 6.1% sales tax, and 0.58% property tax. Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax.
Should I move to Salt Lake City or Meridian?
It depends on your priorities. Salt Lake City has a cost index of 117 with median rent of $1,343/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 Salt Lake City details → View Meridian details →

More Comparisons

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