Tempe, AZ vs Meridian, ID: 120 vs 131

$1,623/mo ↓ 5%

Median Rent

$1,714/mo ↑ 6%

$77,643/yr ↓ 21%

Median Income

$98,686/yr ↑ 27%

$421,900 ↓ 13%

Home Value

$485,000 ↑ 15%

$1,554/mo ↓ 3%

Owner Costs

$1,607/mo ↑ 3%

186,419

Population

124,865

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tempe, AZ and Meridian, ID, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 131 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $91/month cheaper in Tempe, saving renters about $1,092/year.

Median household income is $21,043/year higher in Meridian. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tempe is $421,900 compared to $485,000 in Meridian.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tempe vs Meridian — common questions

Is Tempe or Meridian cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Tempe is cheaper to live in with an index of 120 compared to 131 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Tempe and Meridian?

Median rent in Tempe is $1,623/month and in Meridian it's $1,714/month — a difference of $91/month.

Which city has higher income, Tempe or Meridian?

Median household income is $77,643 in Tempe and $98,686 in Meridian. Median household income is $21,043/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 Tempe or Meridian?

It depends on your priorities. Tempe has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,623/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.

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

Tempe

Meridian

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

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