Cost of Living in Meridian, CO

Population 5,058 · Colorado · Data vintage 2023

171
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Home prices in Meridian run well above the national baseline, with a median of $572,000, though local incomes keep the cost-to-earnings ratio tighter than in coastal metros with comparable sticker prices. Median household earnings of $90,496 place the city among the better-paid Colorado metros. At 6.1%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.

Meridian is part of the immediate Centennial metro area — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 9% lower than Centennial's $627,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 187
Rent 146

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in Meridian

The median home value in Meridian is $571,600 — 87% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,925/month, 46% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $90,496/year is 21% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.1%, above the national average of 4.8%. Colorado's top state income tax rate is 4.4% and the combined sales tax is 7.8%. The climate averages highs of 63.6°F and lows of 36.7°F. Overall, Meridian has a cost of living index of 171 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 71% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$571,600
87% above avg
Zillow Home Value
$461,289
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$1,925/mo
46% above avg
Zillow Rent
$1,450/mo
Zillow ZORI
Price-to-Rent Ratio
24.7x
Favors renting
Property Tax Rate
0.6%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$884
1 BR
$960
2 BR
$1,251
3 BR
$1,611
4 BR
$2,004
Owner-occupied 14.2%
Renter-occupied 85.8%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,925
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $2,539/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚
Eggs (dozen)
$0.548
🍞
White Bread (lb)
$1.912
🥩
Ground Beef (lb)
$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute
19.9 min
26% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
12.8%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
74.4%
Carpooled
7.7%
Public transit
0.8%
Walked
3.3%
Work from home
12.8%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax (flat) 4.4%
Total Sales Tax 7.8%
State rate 2.9%
Avg local rate 4.9%
Property Tax 0.6%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$90,496
21% above avg
Per Capita Income
$60,071
Unemployment Rate
6.1%
27% above avg
Poverty Rate
5.8%
Labor Force Participation
76.8%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 32.3%
Graduate degree 13.6%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 31.8
Male median age 30.3
Female median age 35.5

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
63.6°F
Avg Low
36.7°F
Annual Precip
15"
10° 30° 50° 70° 90° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 454654606981878577645244
Low °F 192027344352595749362619
Precip" 0.410.431.041.942.041.981.762.251.291.000.530.35

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 49 — Good
54.9%
Good air days/yr
177
Max AQI recorded
48
PM2.5 days
316
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Meridian, CO?

Meridian has a cost index of 171 (100 = national average). It is 71% above the national average.

What is average rent in Meridian, CO?

The median gross rent in Meridian is $1,925 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Meridian?

The median home value in Meridian is $571,600 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Meridian?

The median household income in Meridian is $90,496 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Meridian, CO?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Meridian is 7.8%. The Colorado state income tax top rate is 4.4%.

Is Meridian, CO affordable?

Meridian is above average in cost of living, with an index of 171 — about 71% higher than the national average.

What is the weather like in Meridian?

Meridian has average high temperatures of 63.6°F and average lows of 36.7°F. Annual precipitation is 15". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Meridian at a Glance

Population
5,058
Median Income
$90,496
Home Value
$571,600
Median Rent
$1,925/mo
Unemployment
6.1%
Avg High Temp
63.6°F
Sales Tax
7.8%
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🗺️ County data for Colorado

Explore county-level cost of living data

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