Cost of Living: Surprise, AZ vs Meridian, ID (2026)

Surprise

Arizona
126
VS

Meridian

Idaho
131

Surprise is 4% cheaper than Meridian.

$1,917/mo ↑ 12%
Median Rent
$1,714/mo ↓ 11%
$93,371/yr ↓ 5%
Median Income
$98,686/yr ↑ 6%
$396,000 ↓ 18%
Home Value
$485,000 ↑ 22%
$1,587/mo ↓ 1%
Owner Costs
$1,607/mo ↑ 1%
149,519
Population
124,865

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
5.8%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.63%

Affordability

24.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Surprise, AZ and Meridian, ID, the overall cost of living indices are 126 and 131 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $203/month cheaper in Meridian, saving renters about $2,436/year.

Median household income is $5,315/year higher in Meridian. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Surprise is $396,000 compared to $485,000 in Meridian.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Surprise slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Surprise vs Meridian — common questions

Is Surprise or Meridian cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Surprise is cheaper to live in with an index of 126 compared to 131 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Surprise and Meridian?
Median rent in Surprise is $1,917/month and in Meridian it's $1,714/month — a difference of $203/month.
Which city has higher income, Surprise or Meridian?
Median household income is $93,371 in Surprise and $98,686 in Meridian. Median household income is $5,315/year higher in Meridian.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Idaho?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax.
Should I move to Surprise or Meridian?
It depends on your priorities. Surprise has a cost index of 126 with median rent of $1,917/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 Surprise details → View Meridian details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Surprise and Meridian

Surprise vs. Joliet Surprise vs. Naperville Surprise vs. Jackson Surprise vs. Pasadena Surprise vs. Escondido Surprise vs. Mesquite Meridian vs. Palm Bay Meridian vs. Vallejo Meridian vs. Allentown Meridian vs. Round Rock Meridian vs. Thousand Oaks Meridian vs. Concord