Cost of Living: Cary, NC vs Metairie, LA (2026)

Cary

North Carolina
135
VS

Metairie

Louisiana
88

Cary is 53% more expensive than Metairie.

$1,621/mo ↑ 40%
Median Rent
$1,159/mo ↓ 29%
$129,399/yr ↑ 77%
Median Income
$73,256/yr ↓ 43%
$525,200 ↑ 70%
Home Value
$308,900 ↓ 41%
$1,744/mo ↑ 47%
Owner Costs
$1,186/mo ↓ 32%
176,686
Population
138,995

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
4.25%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

15.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cary, NC and Metairie, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 135 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $462/month cheaper in Metairie, saving renters about $5,544/year.

Median household income is $56,143/year higher in Cary. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cary is $525,200 compared to $308,900 in Metairie.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Cary vs Metairie — common questions

Is Cary or Metairie cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Metairie is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 135 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cary and Metairie?
Median rent in Cary is $1,621/month and in Metairie it's $1,159/month — a difference of $462/month.
Which city has higher income, Cary or Metairie?
Median household income is $129,399 in Cary and $73,256 in Metairie. Median household income is $56,143/year higher in Cary.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Louisiana?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Cary or Metairie?
It depends on your priorities. Cary has a cost index of 135 with median rent of $1,621/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 Cary details → View Metairie details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Cary and Metairie

Cary vs. Santa Rosa Cary vs. Salem Cary vs. Elk Grove Cary vs. Rancho Cucamonga Cary vs. Eugene Cary vs. Oceanside Metairie vs. Fullerton Metairie vs. Orange Metairie vs. Waco Metairie vs. Warren Metairie vs. Visalia Metairie vs. Columbia