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

Columbus

Ohio
83
VS

Metairie

Louisiana
88

Columbus is 6% cheaper than Metairie.

$1,224/mo ↑ 6%
Median Rent
$1,159/mo ↓ 5%
$65,327/yr ↓ 11%
Median Income
$73,256/yr ↑ 12%
$234,500 ↓ 24%
Home Value
$308,900 ↑ 32%
$1,243/mo ↑ 5%
Owner Costs
$1,186/mo ↓ 5%
906,480
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

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Columbus, OH and Metairie, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 83 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $65/month cheaper in Metairie, saving renters about $780/year.

Median household income is $7,929/year higher in Metairie. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Columbus is $234,500 compared to $308,900 in Metairie.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Columbus vs Metairie — common questions

Is Columbus or Metairie cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbus is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 88 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Columbus and Metairie?
Median rent in Columbus is $1,224/month and in Metairie it's $1,159/month — a difference of $65/month.
Which city has higher income, Columbus or Metairie?
Median household income is $65,327 in Columbus and $73,256 in Metairie. Median household income is $7,929/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 Columbus or Metairie?
It depends on your priorities. Columbus has a cost index of 83 with median rent of $1,224/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.
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More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Columbus and Metairie

Columbus vs. Fort Worth Columbus vs. Charlotte Columbus vs. Jacksonville Columbus vs. Indianapolis Columbus vs. Austin Columbus vs. San Francisco Metairie vs. Fullerton Metairie vs. Orange Metairie vs. Waco Metairie vs. Warren Metairie vs. Visalia Metairie vs. Columbia