Cost of Living: Seattle, WA vs Meridian, ID (2026)

Seattle

Washington
196
VS

Meridian

Idaho
131

Seattle is 50% more expensive than Meridian.

$1,998/mo ↑ 17%
Median Rent
$1,714/mo ↓ 14%
$121,984/yr ↑ 24%
Median Income
$98,686/yr ↓ 19%
$912,100 ↑ 88%
Home Value
$485,000 ↓ 47%
$2,220/mo ↑ 38%
Owner Costs
$1,607/mo ↓ 28%
741,440
Population
124,865

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.8%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.63%

Affordability

19.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Seattle, WA and Meridian, ID, the overall cost of living indices are 196 and 131 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $284/month cheaper in Meridian, saving renters about $3,408/year.

Median household income is $23,298/year higher in Seattle. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Seattle is $912,100 compared to $485,000 in Meridian.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Seattle vs Meridian — common questions

Is Seattle or Meridian cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Meridian is cheaper to live in with an index of 131 compared to 196 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Seattle and Meridian?
Median rent in Seattle is $1,998/month and in Meridian it's $1,714/month — a difference of $284/month.
Which city has higher income, Seattle or Meridian?
Median household income is $121,984 in Seattle and $98,686 in Meridian. Median household income is $23,298/year higher in Seattle.
How do taxes compare between Washington and Idaho?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax.
Should I move to Seattle or Meridian?
It depends on your priorities. Seattle has a cost index of 196 with median rent of $1,998/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 Seattle details → View Meridian details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Seattle and Meridian

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