Cost of Living: Boston, MA vs Metairie, LA (2026)

Boston

Massachusetts
176
VS

Metairie

Louisiana
88

Boston is 100% more expensive than Metairie.

$2,093/mo ↑ 81%
Median Rent
$1,159/mo ↓ 45%
$94,755/yr ↑ 29%
Median Income
$73,256/yr ↓ 23%
$710,400 ↑ 130%
Home Value
$308,900 ↓ 57%
$2,176/mo ↑ 83%
Owner Costs
$1,186/mo ↓ 45%
663,972
Population
138,995

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
1.15%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

26.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boston, MA and Metairie, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $934/month cheaper in Metairie, saving renters about $11,208/year.

Median household income is $21,499/year higher in Boston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boston is $710,400 compared to $308,900 in Metairie.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Boston vs Metairie — common questions

Is Boston or Metairie cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Metairie is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boston and Metairie?
Median rent in Boston is $2,093/month and in Metairie it's $1,159/month — a difference of $934/month.
Which city has higher income, Boston or Metairie?
Median household income is $94,755 in Boston and $73,256 in Metairie. Median household income is $21,499/year higher in Boston.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Louisiana?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Boston or Metairie?
It depends on your priorities. Boston has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $2,093/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 Boston details → View Metairie details →

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