Cost of Living: Springfield, MA vs Meridian, ID (2026)

Springfield

Massachusetts
79
VS

Meridian

Idaho
131

Springfield is 40% cheaper than Meridian.

$1,114/mo ↓ 35%
Median Rent
$1,714/mo ↑ 54%
$51,339/yr ↓ 48%
Median Income
$98,686/yr ↑ 92%
$222,700 ↓ 54%
Home Value
$485,000 ↑ 118%
$1,276/mo ↓ 21%
Owner Costs
$1,607/mo ↑ 26%
154,751
Population
124,865

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
5.8%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.15%
Property Tax
0.63%

Affordability

26.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Springfield, MA and Meridian, ID, the overall cost of living indices are 79 and 131 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $600/month cheaper in Springfield, saving renters about $7,200/year.

Median household income is $47,347/year higher in Meridian. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Springfield is $222,700 compared to $485,000 in Meridian.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Springfield vs Meridian — common questions

Is Springfield or Meridian cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Springfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 131 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Springfield and Meridian?
Median rent in Springfield is $1,114/month and in Meridian it's $1,714/month — a difference of $600/month.
Which city has higher income, Springfield or Meridian?
Median household income is $51,339 in Springfield and $98,686 in Meridian. Median household income is $47,347/year higher in Meridian.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Idaho?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax.
Should I move to Springfield or Meridian?
It depends on your priorities. Springfield has a cost index of 79 with median rent of $1,114/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 Springfield details → View Meridian details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Springfield and Meridian

Springfield vs. Kansas City Springfield vs. Sunnyvale Springfield vs. Killeen Springfield vs. Hollywood Springfield vs. Lakewood Springfield vs. Roseville Meridian vs. Palm Bay Meridian vs. Vallejo Meridian vs. Allentown Meridian vs. Round Rock Meridian vs. Thousand Oaks Meridian vs. Concord