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

Tacoma

Washington
126
VS

Meridian

Idaho
131

Tacoma is 4% cheaper than Meridian.

$1,597/mo ↓ 7%
Median Rent
$1,714/mo ↑ 7%
$83,857/yr ↓ 15%
Median Income
$98,686/yr ↑ 18%
$454,600 ↓ 6%
Home Value
$485,000 ↑ 7%
$1,747/mo ↑ 9%
Owner Costs
$1,607/mo ↓ 8%
220,482
Population
124,865

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tacoma, WA and Meridian, ID, the overall cost of living indices are 126 and 131 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $117/month cheaper in Tacoma, saving renters about $1,404/year.

Median household income is $14,829/year higher in Meridian. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tacoma is $454,600 compared to $485,000 in Meridian.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tacoma vs Meridian — common questions

Is Tacoma or Meridian cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tacoma is cheaper to live in with an index of 126 compared to 131 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tacoma and Meridian?
Median rent in Tacoma is $1,597/month and in Meridian it's $1,714/month — a difference of $117/month.
Which city has higher income, Tacoma or Meridian?
Median household income is $83,857 in Tacoma and $98,686 in Meridian. Median household income is $14,829/year higher in Meridian.
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 Tacoma or Meridian?
It depends on your priorities. Tacoma has a cost index of 126 with median rent of $1,597/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 Tacoma details → View Meridian details →

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