Cost of Living: St. Paul, MN vs Meridian, ID (2026)

St. Paul

Minnesota
91
VS

Meridian

Idaho
131

St. Paul is 31% cheaper than Meridian.

$1,248/mo ↓ 27%
Median Rent
$1,714/mo ↑ 37%
$73,055/yr ↓ 26%
Median Income
$98,686/yr ↑ 35%
$280,300 ↓ 42%
Home Value
$485,000 ↑ 73%
$1,390/mo ↓ 14%
Owner Costs
$1,607/mo ↑ 16%
307,762
Population
124,865

Tax Comparison

9.85%
Income Tax
5.8%
6.875%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.11%
Property Tax
0.63%

Affordability

20.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing St. Paul, MN and Meridian, ID, the overall cost of living indices are 91 and 131 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $466/month cheaper in St. Paul, saving renters about $5,592/year.

Median household income is $25,631/year higher in Meridian. Home values also differ significantly — the median in St. Paul is $280,300 compared to $485,000 in Meridian.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Paul vs Meridian — common questions

Is St. Paul or Meridian cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, St. Paul is cheaper to live in with an index of 91 compared to 131 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between St. Paul and Meridian?
Median rent in St. Paul is $1,248/month and in Meridian it's $1,714/month — a difference of $466/month.
Which city has higher income, St. Paul or Meridian?
Median household income is $73,055 in St. Paul and $98,686 in Meridian. Median household income is $25,631/year higher in Meridian.
How do taxes compare between Minnesota and Idaho?
Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax. Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax.
Should I move to St. Paul or Meridian?
It depends on your priorities. St. Paul has a cost index of 91 with median rent of $1,248/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 St. Paul details → View Meridian details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for St. Paul and Meridian

St. Paul vs. Irvine St. Paul vs. Newark St. Paul vs. Cincinnati St. Paul vs. Pittsburgh St. Paul vs. Santa Ana St. Paul vs. Greensboro Meridian vs. Palm Bay Meridian vs. Vallejo Meridian vs. Allentown Meridian vs. Round Rock Meridian vs. Thousand Oaks Meridian vs. Concord