Cost of Living: Chicago, IL vs Metairie, LA (2026)

Chicago

Illinois
100
VS

Metairie

Louisiana
88

Chicago is 14% more expensive than Metairie.

$1,380/mo ↑ 19%
Median Rent
$1,159/mo ↓ 16%
$75,134/yr ↑ 3%
Median Income
$73,256/yr ↓ 2%
$315,200 ↑ 2%
Home Value
$308,900 ↓ 2%
$1,502/mo ↑ 27%
Owner Costs
$1,186/mo ↓ 21%
2,707,648
Population
138,995

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
2.07%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

22.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chicago, IL and Metairie, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $221/month cheaper in Metairie, saving renters about $2,652/year.

Median household income is $1,878/year higher in Chicago. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chicago is $315,200 compared to $308,900 in Metairie.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Chicago vs Metairie — common questions

Is Chicago or Metairie cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Metairie is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chicago and Metairie?
Median rent in Chicago is $1,380/month and in Metairie it's $1,159/month — a difference of $221/month.
Which city has higher income, Chicago or Metairie?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago and $73,256 in Metairie. Median household income is $1,878/year higher in Chicago.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Louisiana?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Chicago or Metairie?
It depends on your priorities. Chicago has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,380/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 Chicago details → View Metairie details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Chicago and Metairie

Chicago vs. Los Angeles Chicago vs. Houston Chicago vs. New York Chicago vs. Phoenix Chicago vs. Allen Chicago vs. Philadelphia Metairie vs. Fullerton Metairie vs. Orange Metairie vs. Waco Metairie vs. Warren Metairie vs. Visalia Metairie vs. Columbia