Cost of Living: Washington, DC vs Meridian, ID (2026)

Washington

District of Columbia
171
VS

Meridian

Idaho
131

Washington is 31% more expensive than Meridian.

$1,900/mo ↑ 11%
Median Rent
$1,714/mo ↓ 10%
$106,287/yr ↑ 8%
Median Income
$98,686/yr ↓ 7%
$724,600 ↑ 49%
Home Value
$485,000 ↓ 33%
$2,103/mo ↑ 31%
Owner Costs
$1,607/mo ↓ 24%
672,079
Population
124,865

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
5.8%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.56%
Property Tax
0.63%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Washington, DC and Meridian, ID, the overall cost of living indices are 171 and 131 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $186/month cheaper in Meridian, saving renters about $2,232/year.

Median household income is $7,601/year higher in Washington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Washington is $724,600 compared to $485,000 in Meridian.

Idaho has a lower income tax rate, making Meridian slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Washington vs Meridian — common questions

Is Washington or Meridian cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Meridian is cheaper to live in with an index of 131 compared to 171 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Washington and Meridian?
Median rent in Washington is $1,900/month and in Meridian it's $1,714/month — a difference of $186/month.
Which city has higher income, Washington or Meridian?
Median household income is $106,287 in Washington and $98,686 in Meridian. Median household income is $7,601/year higher in Washington.
How do taxes compare between District of Columbia and Idaho?
District of Columbia has 10.75% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.56% property tax. Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax.
Should I move to Washington or Meridian?
It depends on your priorities. Washington has a cost index of 171 with median rent of $1,900/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 Washington details → View Meridian details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Washington and Meridian

Washington vs. El Paso Washington vs. Boston Washington vs. Nashville Washington vs. Las Vegas Washington vs. Oklahoma City Washington vs. Portland Meridian vs. Palm Bay Meridian vs. Vallejo Meridian vs. Allentown Meridian vs. Round Rock Meridian vs. Thousand Oaks Meridian vs. Concord