Cost of Living: Worcester, MA vs Meridian, ID (2026)

Worcester

Massachusetts
104
VS

Meridian

Idaho
131

Worcester is 21% cheaper than Meridian.

$1,415/mo ↓ 17%
Median Rent
$1,714/mo ↑ 21%
$67,544/yr ↓ 32%
Median Income
$98,686/yr ↑ 46%
$339,500 ↓ 30%
Home Value
$485,000 ↑ 43%
$1,521/mo ↓ 5%
Owner Costs
$1,607/mo ↑ 6%
205,501
Population
124,865

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
5.8%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.15%
Property Tax
0.63%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Worcester, MA and Meridian, ID, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 131 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $299/month cheaper in Worcester, saving renters about $3,588/year.

Median household income is $31,142/year higher in Meridian. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Worcester is $339,500 compared to $485,000 in Meridian.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Worcester vs Meridian — common questions

Is Worcester or Meridian cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Worcester is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 131 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Worcester and Meridian?
Median rent in Worcester is $1,415/month and in Meridian it's $1,714/month — a difference of $299/month.
Which city has higher income, Worcester or Meridian?
Median household income is $67,544 in Worcester and $98,686 in Meridian. Median household income is $31,142/year higher in Meridian.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Idaho?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax.
Should I move to Worcester or Meridian?
It depends on your priorities. Worcester has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,415/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 Worcester details → View Meridian details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Worcester and Meridian

Worcester vs. Cape Coral Worcester vs. Columbus Worcester vs. Yonkers Worcester vs. Salt Lake City Worcester vs. Fayetteville Worcester vs. Little Rock Meridian vs. Palm Bay Meridian vs. Vallejo Meridian vs. Allentown Meridian vs. Round Rock Meridian vs. Thousand Oaks Meridian vs. Concord