Cost of Living: Atlanta, GA vs Metairie, LA (2026)

Atlanta

Georgia
122
VS

Metairie

Louisiana
88

Atlanta is 39% more expensive than Metairie.

$1,617/mo ↑ 40%
Median Rent
$1,159/mo ↓ 28%
$81,938/yr ↑ 12%
Median Income
$73,256/yr ↓ 11%
$420,600 ↑ 36%
Home Value
$308,900 ↓ 27%
$1,695/mo ↑ 43%
Owner Costs
$1,186/mo ↓ 30%
499,287
Population
138,995

Tax Comparison

5.49%
Income Tax
4.25%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

23.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Atlanta, GA and Metairie, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 122 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $458/month cheaper in Metairie, saving renters about $5,496/year.

Median household income is $8,682/year higher in Atlanta. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Atlanta is $420,600 compared to $308,900 in Metairie.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Atlanta vs Metairie — common questions

Is Atlanta or Metairie cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Metairie is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 122 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Atlanta and Metairie?
Median rent in Atlanta is $1,617/month and in Metairie it's $1,159/month — a difference of $458/month.
Which city has higher income, Atlanta or Metairie?
Median household income is $81,938 in Atlanta and $73,256 in Metairie. Median household income is $8,682/year higher in Atlanta.
How do taxes compare between Georgia and Louisiana?
Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Atlanta or Metairie?
It depends on your priorities. Atlanta has a cost index of 122 with median rent of $1,617/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 Atlanta details → View Metairie details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Atlanta and Metairie

Atlanta vs. Mesa Atlanta vs. Omaha Atlanta vs. Kansas City Atlanta vs. Colorado Springs Atlanta vs. Sacramento Atlanta vs. Raleigh Metairie vs. Fullerton Metairie vs. Orange Metairie vs. Waco Metairie vs. Warren Metairie vs. Visalia Metairie vs. Columbia