Cost of Living: Charleston, SC vs Metairie, LA (2026)

Charleston

South Carolina
128
VS

Metairie

Louisiana
88

Charleston is 45% more expensive than Metairie.

$1,632/mo ↑ 41%
Median Rent
$1,159/mo ↓ 29%
$90,038/yr ↑ 23%
Median Income
$73,256/yr ↓ 19%
$469,100 ↑ 52%
Home Value
$308,900 ↓ 34%
$1,688/mo ↑ 42%
Owner Costs
$1,186/mo ↓ 30%
152,014
Population
138,995

Tax Comparison

6.4%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
0.57%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

21.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Charleston, SC and Metairie, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 128 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $473/month cheaper in Metairie, saving renters about $5,676/year.

Median household income is $16,782/year higher in Charleston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Charleston is $469,100 compared to $308,900 in Metairie.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Charleston vs Metairie — common questions

Is Charleston or Metairie cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Metairie is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Charleston and Metairie?
Median rent in Charleston is $1,632/month and in Metairie it's $1,159/month — a difference of $473/month.
Which city has higher income, Charleston or Metairie?
Median household income is $90,038 in Charleston and $73,256 in Metairie. Median household income is $16,782/year higher in Charleston.
How do taxes compare between South Carolina and Louisiana?
South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Charleston or Metairie?
It depends on your priorities. Charleston has a cost index of 128 with median rent of $1,632/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 Charleston details → View Metairie details →

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