Average Cost of Living in Meridian, Idaho
The average cost of living in Meridian, Idaho is slightly higher than the national average. According to the Council for Community and Economic Research, the cost of living in Meridian is 8.9% higher than the national average. This percentage is higher than the state of Idaho’s average cost of living, which is 6.6% higher than the national average.
The primary factors driving the higher cost of living in Meridian are housing costs, transportation costs, and food costs. Housing costs in Meridian are significantly higher than the national average, with the median home price being $310,700 and the median rent being $1,252 per month. This is due to the fact that the city has experienced rapid growth in the past decade, leading to a sharp increase in the demand for housing.
Transportation costs in Meridian are also higher than the national average, with the average price of gasoline being $2.73 per gallon and the average cost of public transportation being $2.00 per ticket. This is due to the fact that Meridian is a suburban city, which means that people have to rely on their own vehicles to get around.
Finally, food costs in Meridian are also higher than the national average, with the average price of groceries being $3.27 per pound. This is due to the fact that Meridian is a relatively affluent city, and as such, food costs tend to be higher than in other parts of the state.
Overall, the average cost of living in Meridian, Idaho is slightly higher than the national average. The primary factors driving up the cost of living in Meridian are housing costs, transportation costs, and food costs. However, despite the higher costs, Meridian is an attractive place to live, with a thriving economy and plenty of amenities.