Cost of Living: Anchorage, AK vs Metairie, LA (2026)

Anchorage

Alaska
113
VS

Metairie

Louisiana
88

Anchorage is 28% more expensive than Metairie.

$1,453/mo ↑ 25%
Median Rent
$1,159/mo ↓ 20%
$98,152/yr ↑ 34%
Median Income
$73,256/yr ↓ 25%
$375,900 ↑ 22%
Home Value
$308,900 ↓ 18%
$1,698/mo ↑ 43%
Owner Costs
$1,186/mo ↓ 30%
289,069
Population
138,995

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.25%
0%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
1.04%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

17.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Anchorage, AK and Metairie, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 113 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $294/month cheaper in Metairie, saving renters about $3,528/year.

Median household income is $24,896/year higher in Anchorage. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Anchorage is $375,900 compared to $308,900 in Metairie.

Alaska has no state income tax, giving Anchorage residents a significant tax advantage over Louisiana's 4.25% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Anchorage vs Metairie — common questions

Is Anchorage or Metairie cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Metairie is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 113 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Anchorage and Metairie?
Median rent in Anchorage is $1,453/month and in Metairie it's $1,159/month — a difference of $294/month.
Which city has higher income, Anchorage or Metairie?
Median household income is $98,152 in Anchorage and $73,256 in Metairie. Median household income is $24,896/year higher in Anchorage.
How do taxes compare between Alaska and Louisiana?
Alaska has 0% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 1.04% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Anchorage or Metairie?
It depends on your priorities. Anchorage has a cost index of 113 with median rent of $1,453/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.
View Anchorage details → View Metairie details →

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