Cost of Living: Buffalo, NY vs Metairie, LA (2026)

Buffalo

New York
61
VS

Metairie

Louisiana
88

Buffalo is 31% cheaper than Metairie.

$989/mo ↓ 15%
Median Rent
$1,159/mo ↑ 17%
$48,050/yr ↓ 34%
Median Income
$73,256/yr ↑ 52%
$152,300 ↓ 51%
Home Value
$308,900 ↑ 103%
$929/mo ↓ 22%
Owner Costs
$1,186/mo ↑ 28%
276,397
Population
138,995

Tax Comparison

10.9%
Income Tax
4.25%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
1.62%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

24.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Buffalo, NY and Metairie, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 61 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $170/month cheaper in Buffalo, saving renters about $2,040/year.

Median household income is $25,206/year higher in Metairie. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Buffalo is $152,300 compared to $308,900 in Metairie.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Buffalo vs Metairie — common questions

Is Buffalo or Metairie cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Buffalo is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 88 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Buffalo and Metairie?
Median rent in Buffalo is $989/month and in Metairie it's $1,159/month — a difference of $170/month.
Which city has higher income, Buffalo or Metairie?
Median household income is $48,050 in Buffalo and $73,256 in Metairie. Median household income is $25,206/year higher in Metairie.
How do taxes compare between New York and Louisiana?
New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Buffalo or Metairie?
It depends on your priorities. Buffalo has a cost index of 61 with median rent of $989/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 Buffalo details → View Metairie details →

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