Cost of Living: Arlington, TX vs Metairie, LA (2026)

Arlington

Texas
95
VS

Metairie

Louisiana
88

Arlington is 8% more expensive than Metairie.

$1,389/mo ↑ 20%
Median Rent
$1,159/mo ↓ 17%
$73,519/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$73,256/yr ≈ Same
$276,400 ↓ 11%
Home Value
$308,900 ↑ 12%
$1,420/mo ↑ 20%
Owner Costs
$1,186/mo ↓ 16%
394,769
Population
138,995

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Arlington, TX and Metairie, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 95 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $230/month cheaper in Metairie, saving renters about $2,760/year.

Median household income is $263/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Arlington is $276,400 compared to $308,900 in Metairie.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Arlington vs Metairie — common questions

Is Arlington or Metairie cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Metairie is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 95 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Arlington and Metairie?
Median rent in Arlington is $1,389/month and in Metairie it's $1,159/month — a difference of $230/month.
Which city has higher income, Arlington or Metairie?
Median household income is $73,519 in Arlington and $73,256 in Metairie. Median household income is $263/year higher in Arlington.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Louisiana?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Arlington or Metairie?
It depends on your priorities. Arlington has a cost index of 95 with median rent of $1,389/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 Arlington details → View Metairie details →

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