Salary & Cost of Living in Meridian, ID
Meridian, ID: $68,000 median salary, cost of living index 105, $7.25/hr minimum wage. Calculate your take-home pay with our free paycheck calculator.
Median Salary
$68,000
$33/hr
Cost of Living
105
US avg = 100
Minimum Wage
$7.25
per hour
Unemployment
2.5%
rate
Meridian, ID Overview
Population
117,635
Median Salary
$68,000
Average Salary
$74,500
Avg Commute
23 min
Median Home Price
$450,000
Median Rent
$1,500/mo
Job Growth
+3.5%
Sales Tax
6%
Meridian is located in Idaho with a population of 117,635. The median household salary is $68,000 per year ($33/hour), which is $8,616 above the national median of $59,384. The average commute time is 23 minutes, and the city has a job growth rate of +3.5%.
Meridian Paycheck Calculator
Enter your annual salary to see your estimated take-home pay in Meridian, ID, after federal, state, and local taxes.
Estimated Annual Take-Home Pay
$52,280
$4,356.67/month · $2,010.77/biweekly · Effective Rate: 23.1%
Gross Pay
$68,000
Federal Tax
-$6,574
State Tax
-$3,944
Local Tax
$0
FICA
-$5,202
Net Pay
$52,280
Pay Breakdown
| Item | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Salary | $5,666.67 | $68,000.00 |
| Federal Income Tax | -$547.83 | -$6,574.00 |
| Idaho State Tax (5.8%) | -$328.67 | -$3,944.00 |
| Social Security (6.2%) | -$351.33 | -$4,216.00 |
| Medicare (1.45%) | -$82.17 | -$986.00 |
| Net Take-Home Pay | $4,356.67 | $52,280.00 |
Salary Comparison: Meridian vs Other Cities
See how Meridian's median salary and cost of living compare to the national average and similar cities.
| City | Median Salary | COL Index | Adj. Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Meridian, ID | $68,000 | 105 | $64,762 |
| National Average | $59,384 | 100 | $59,384 |
| Santa Rosa, CA | $68,000 | 140 | $48,571 |
| Hayward, CA | $68,000 | 145 | $46,897 |
| Fort Collins, CO | $68,000 | 108 | $62,963 |
| Pearl City, HI | $68,000 | 175 | $38,857 |
Adjusted salary reflects purchasing power when cost of living is factored in. A higher adjusted salary means your money goes further.
Cost of Living in Meridian
Meridian's cost of living index is 105 (national average = 100). Living in Meridian is 5% more expensive than the national average.
Median Home Price
$450,000
Median Monthly Rent
$1,500
Annual Rent Cost
$18,000
Your Salary's Purchasing Power
Your $52,280 annual take-home pay in Meridian has the purchasing power of approximately $49,790 in an average-cost US area. You would need to earn $71,400 in Meridian to match a $68,000 salary in an average-cost city.
Top Industries in Meridian
Meridian's economy is driven by these key industries. Workers in top industries often earn significantly above the median salary of $68,000.
Salary Tips for Meridian Workers
- Maximize pre-tax deductions. With a 5.8% state income tax rate, maximizing 401(k) contributions (up to $23,500 in 2026) and HSA contributions can significantly reduce both your federal and state tax burden.
- Research top industries. Meridian's top industries include Technology, Healthcare, Retail. Targeting roles in these sectors can help you earn above the $68,000 median salary.
- Review your W-4 withholding. If you regularly receive large tax refunds, adjust your W-4 to increase your per-paycheck take-home pay instead of giving the government an interest-free loan.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median salary in Meridian, ID?
The median salary in Meridian, ID is $68,000 per year, or $33 per hour. The average salary is $74,500. This is $8,616 above the national median of $59,384.
What is the cost of living in Meridian, ID?
Meridian's cost of living index is 105 (national average = 100), meaning it is 5% more expensive compared to the national average. The median home price is $450,000 and the median monthly rent is $1,500.
What are the best industries in Meridian?
The top industries in Meridian, ID include Technology, Healthcare, Retail. The city has a job growth rate of 3.5% and an unemployment rate of 2.5%. Workers in these industries often earn above the city's median salary of $68,000.
How does Meridian's salary compare to other cities?
Meridian's median salary of $68,000 is 14.5% above the national median of $59,384. However, when adjusted for cost of living (index: 105), the real purchasing power is approximately $64,762.
What is the minimum wage in Meridian, ID?
The minimum wage in Meridian, ID is $7.25 per hour. This equals approximately $15,080 per year for a full-time worker (40 hours/week). This matches the federal minimum wage of $7.25/hour.