Cost of Living: Boise, ID vs Metairie, LA (2026)

Boise

Idaho
112
VS

Metairie

Louisiana
88

Boise is 27% more expensive than Metairie.

$1,359/mo ↑ 17%
Median Rent
$1,159/mo ↓ 15%
$81,308/yr ↑ 11%
Median Income
$73,256/yr ↓ 10%
$456,000 ↑ 48%
Home Value
$308,900 ↓ 32%
$1,337/mo ↑ 13%
Owner Costs
$1,186/mo ↓ 11%
235,701
Population
138,995

Tax Comparison

5.8%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
0.63%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

20.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boise, ID and Metairie, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $200/month cheaper in Metairie, saving renters about $2,400/year.

Median household income is $8,052/year higher in Boise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boise is $456,000 compared to $308,900 in Metairie.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Boise vs Metairie — common questions

Is Boise or Metairie cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Metairie is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boise and Metairie?
Median rent in Boise is $1,359/month and in Metairie it's $1,159/month — a difference of $200/month.
Which city has higher income, Boise or Metairie?
Median household income is $81,308 in Boise and $73,256 in Metairie. Median household income is $8,052/year higher in Boise.
How do taxes compare between Idaho and Louisiana?
Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Boise or Metairie?
It depends on your priorities. Boise has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,359/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 Boise details → View Metairie details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Boise and Metairie

Boise vs. Scottsdale Boise vs. Arlington Boise vs. Garland Boise vs. Norfolk Boise vs. Glendale Boise vs. Enterprise Metairie vs. Fullerton Metairie vs. Orange Metairie vs. Waco Metairie vs. Warren Metairie vs. Visalia Metairie vs. Columbia