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

Tucson

Arizona
76
VS

Meridian

Idaho
131

Tucson is 42% cheaper than Meridian.

$1,079/mo ↓ 37%
Median Rent
$1,714/mo ↑ 59%
$54,546/yr ↓ 45%
Median Income
$98,686/yr ↑ 81%
$242,200 ↓ 50%
Home Value
$485,000 ↑ 100%
$1,076/mo ↓ 33%
Owner Costs
$1,607/mo ↑ 49%
543,348
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

23.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tucson, AZ and Meridian, ID, the overall cost of living indices are 76 and 131 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $635/month cheaper in Tucson, saving renters about $7,620/year.

Median household income is $44,140/year higher in Meridian. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tucson is $242,200 compared to $485,000 in Meridian.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tucson vs Meridian — common questions

Is Tucson or Meridian cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tucson is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 131 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tucson and Meridian?
Median rent in Tucson is $1,079/month and in Meridian it's $1,714/month — a difference of $635/month.
Which city has higher income, Tucson or Meridian?
Median household income is $54,546 in Tucson and $98,686 in Meridian. Median household income is $44,140/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 Tucson or Meridian?
It depends on your priorities. Tucson has a cost index of 76 with median rent of $1,079/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 Tucson details → View Meridian details →

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