Cost of Living: Chesapeake, VA vs Metairie, LA (2026)

Chesapeake

Virginia
112
VS

Metairie

Louisiana
88

Chesapeake is 27% more expensive than Metairie.

$1,523/mo ↑ 31%
Median Rent
$1,159/mo ↓ 24%
$94,189/yr ↑ 29%
Median Income
$73,256/yr ↓ 22%
$359,100 ↑ 16%
Home Value
$308,900 ↓ 14%
$1,680/mo ↑ 42%
Owner Costs
$1,186/mo ↓ 29%
251,153
Population
138,995

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
4.25%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

19.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chesapeake, VA and Metairie, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $364/month cheaper in Metairie, saving renters about $4,368/year.

Median household income is $20,933/year higher in Chesapeake. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chesapeake is $359,100 compared to $308,900 in Metairie.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Chesapeake vs Metairie — common questions

Is Chesapeake 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 Chesapeake and Metairie?
Median rent in Chesapeake is $1,523/month and in Metairie it's $1,159/month — a difference of $364/month.
Which city has higher income, Chesapeake or Metairie?
Median household income is $94,189 in Chesapeake and $73,256 in Metairie. Median household income is $20,933/year higher in Chesapeake.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Louisiana?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% 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 Chesapeake or Metairie?
It depends on your priorities. Chesapeake has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,523/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 Chesapeake details → View Metairie details →

More Comparisons

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