Cost of Living: Cincinnati, OH vs Metairie, LA (2026)

Cincinnati

Ohio
69
VS

Metairie

Louisiana
88

Cincinnati is 22% cheaper than Metairie.

$953/mo ↓ 18%
Median Rent
$1,159/mo ↑ 22%
$51,707/yr ↓ 29%
Median Income
$73,256/yr ↑ 42%
$215,300 ↓ 30%
Home Value
$308,900 ↑ 43%
$1,041/mo ↓ 12%
Owner Costs
$1,186/mo ↑ 14%
309,595
Population
138,995

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
4.25%
5.75%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
1.53%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

22.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cincinnati, OH and Metairie, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 69 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $206/month cheaper in Cincinnati, saving renters about $2,472/year.

Median household income is $21,549/year higher in Metairie. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cincinnati is $215,300 compared to $308,900 in Metairie.

Ohio has a lower income tax rate, making Cincinnati slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cincinnati vs Metairie — common questions

Is Cincinnati or Metairie cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cincinnati is cheaper to live in with an index of 69 compared to 88 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cincinnati and Metairie?
Median rent in Cincinnati is $953/month and in Metairie it's $1,159/month — a difference of $206/month.
Which city has higher income, Cincinnati or Metairie?
Median household income is $51,707 in Cincinnati and $73,256 in Metairie. Median household income is $21,549/year higher in Metairie.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and Louisiana?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Cincinnati or Metairie?
It depends on your priorities. Cincinnati has a cost index of 69 with median rent of $953/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 Cincinnati details → View Metairie details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Cincinnati and Metairie

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