Cost of Living: Alexandria, VA vs Metairie, LA (2026)

Alexandria

Virginia
173
VS

Metairie

Louisiana
88

Alexandria is 85% more expensive than Metairie.

$2,031/mo ↑ 75%
Median Rent
$1,159/mo ↓ 43%
$113,638/yr ↑ 55%
Median Income
$73,256/yr ↓ 36%
$696,800 ↑ 126%
Home Value
$308,900 ↓ 56%
$2,173/mo ↑ 83%
Owner Costs
$1,186/mo ↓ 45%
156,788
Population
138,995

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
4.25%
5.3%
Sales Tax
4.45%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Alexandria, VA and Metairie, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 173 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $872/month cheaper in Metairie, saving renters about $10,464/year.

Median household income is $40,382/year higher in Alexandria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Alexandria is $696,800 compared to $308,900 in Metairie.

Louisiana has a lower income tax rate, making Metairie slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Alexandria vs Metairie — common questions

Is Alexandria or Metairie cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Metairie is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 173 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Alexandria and Metairie?
Median rent in Alexandria is $2,031/month and in Metairie it's $1,159/month — a difference of $872/month.
Which city has higher income, Alexandria or Metairie?
Median household income is $113,638 in Alexandria and $73,256 in Metairie. Median household income is $40,382/year higher in Alexandria.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Louisiana?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Alexandria or Metairie?
It depends on your priorities. Alexandria has a cost index of 173 with median rent of $2,031/mo, while Metairie has a cost index of 88 with rent of $1,159/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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