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

Springfield

Missouri
60
VS

Meridian

Idaho
131

Springfield is 54% cheaper than Meridian.

$920/mo ↓ 46%
Median Rent
$1,714/mo ↑ 86%
$45,984/yr ↓ 53%
Median Income
$98,686/yr ↑ 115%
$165,200 ↓ 66%
Home Value
$485,000 ↑ 194%
$908/mo ↓ 43%
Owner Costs
$1,607/mo ↑ 77%
169,432
Population
124,865

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
5.8%
4.225%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.93%
Property Tax
0.63%

Affordability

24.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Springfield, MO and Meridian, ID, the overall cost of living indices are 60 and 131 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $794/month cheaper in Springfield, saving renters about $9,528/year.

Median household income is $52,702/year higher in Meridian. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Springfield is $165,200 compared to $485,000 in Meridian.

Missouri has a lower income tax rate, making Springfield 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 60 compared to 131 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Springfield and Meridian?
Median rent in Springfield is $920/month and in Meridian it's $1,714/month — a difference of $794/month.
Which city has higher income, Springfield or Meridian?
Median household income is $45,984 in Springfield and $98,686 in Meridian. Median household income is $52,702/year higher in Meridian.
How do taxes compare between Missouri and Idaho?
Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% 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 60 with median rent of $920/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. Fort Collins Springfield vs. Palmdale Springfield vs. Lancaster Springfield vs. Salinas Springfield vs. Pembroke Pines Springfield vs. Hayward Meridian vs. Palm Bay Meridian vs. Vallejo Meridian vs. Allentown Meridian vs. Round Rock Meridian vs. Thousand Oaks Meridian vs. Concord