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

Arlington

Virginia
203
VS

Metairie

Louisiana
88

Arlington is 131% more expensive than Metairie.

$2,275/mo ↑ 96%
Median Rent
$1,159/mo ↓ 49%
$140,160/yr ↑ 91%
Median Income
$73,256/yr ↓ 48%
$864,800 ↑ 180%
Home Value
$308,900 ↓ 64%
$2,414/mo ↑ 104%
Owner Costs
$1,186/mo ↓ 51%
235,463
Population
138,995

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

19.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Arlington, VA and Metairie, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 203 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,116/month cheaper in Metairie, saving renters about $13,392/year.

Median household income is $66,904/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Arlington is $864,800 compared to $308,900 in Metairie.

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

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 203 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Arlington and Metairie?
Median rent in Arlington is $2,275/month and in Metairie it's $1,159/month — a difference of $1,116/month.
Which city has higher income, Arlington or Metairie?
Median household income is $140,160 in Arlington and $73,256 in Metairie. Median household income is $66,904/year higher in Arlington.
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 Arlington or Metairie?
It depends on your priorities. Arlington has a cost index of 203 with median rent of $2,275/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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