Cost of Living: Tampa, FL vs Meridian, ID (2026)

Tampa

Florida
113
VS

Meridian

Idaho
131

Tampa is 14% cheaper than Meridian.

$1,567/mo ↓ 9%
Median Rent
$1,714/mo ↑ 9%
$71,302/yr ↓ 28%
Median Income
$98,686/yr ↑ 38%
$375,300 ↓ 23%
Home Value
$485,000 ↑ 29%
$1,553/mo ↓ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,607/mo ↑ 3%
393,389
Population
124,865

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.8%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.86%
Property Tax
0.63%

Affordability

26.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tampa, FL and Meridian, ID, the overall cost of living indices are 113 and 131 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $147/month cheaper in Tampa, saving renters about $1,764/year.

Median household income is $27,384/year higher in Meridian. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tampa is $375,300 compared to $485,000 in Meridian.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tampa vs Meridian — common questions

Is Tampa or Meridian cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tampa is cheaper to live in with an index of 113 compared to 131 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tampa and Meridian?
Median rent in Tampa is $1,567/month and in Meridian it's $1,714/month — a difference of $147/month.
Which city has higher income, Tampa or Meridian?
Median household income is $71,302 in Tampa and $98,686 in Meridian. Median household income is $27,384/year higher in Meridian.
How do taxes compare between Florida and Idaho?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax.
Should I move to Tampa or Meridian?
It depends on your priorities. Tampa has a cost index of 113 with median rent of $1,567/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 Tampa details → View Meridian details →

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