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

Austin

Texas
134
VS

Metairie

Louisiana
88

Austin is 52% more expensive than Metairie.

$1,655/mo ↑ 43%
Median Rent
$1,159/mo ↓ 30%
$91,461/yr ↑ 25%
Median Income
$73,256/yr ↓ 20%
$512,700 ↑ 66%
Home Value
$308,900 ↓ 40%
$1,747/mo ↑ 47%
Owner Costs
$1,186/mo ↓ 32%
967,862
Population
138,995

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

21.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Austin, TX and Metairie, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 134 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $496/month cheaper in Metairie, saving renters about $5,952/year.

Median household income is $18,205/year higher in Austin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Austin is $512,700 compared to $308,900 in Metairie.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Austin vs Metairie — common questions

Is Austin or Metairie cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Metairie is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 134 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Austin and Metairie?
Median rent in Austin is $1,655/month and in Metairie it's $1,159/month — a difference of $496/month.
Which city has higher income, Austin or Metairie?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin and $73,256 in Metairie. Median household income is $18,205/year higher in Austin.
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 Austin or Metairie?
It depends on your priorities. Austin has a cost index of 134 with median rent of $1,655/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 Austin details → View Metairie details →

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