Cost of Living: Dallas, TX vs Metairie, LA (2026)

Dallas

Texas
97
VS

Metairie

Louisiana
88

Dallas is 10% more expensive than Metairie.

$1,403/mo ↑ 21%
Median Rent
$1,159/mo ↓ 17%
$67,760/yr ↓ 8%
Median Income
$73,256/yr ↑ 8%
$295,300 ↓ 4%
Home Value
$308,900 ↑ 5%
$1,409/mo ↑ 19%
Owner Costs
$1,186/mo ↓ 16%
1,299,553
Population
138,995

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

24.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Dallas, TX and Metairie, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 97 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $244/month cheaper in Metairie, saving renters about $2,928/year.

Median household income is $5,496/year higher in Metairie. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Dallas is $295,300 compared to $308,900 in Metairie.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Dallas residents a significant tax advantage over Louisiana's 4.25% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Dallas vs Metairie — common questions

Is Dallas or Metairie cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Metairie is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 97 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Dallas and Metairie?
Median rent in Dallas is $1,403/month and in Metairie it's $1,159/month — a difference of $244/month.
Which city has higher income, Dallas or Metairie?
Median household income is $67,760 in Dallas and $73,256 in Metairie. Median household income is $5,496/year higher in Metairie.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Louisiana?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Dallas or Metairie?
It depends on your priorities. Dallas has a cost index of 97 with median rent of $1,403/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 Dallas details → View Metairie details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Dallas and Metairie

Dallas vs. San Diego Dallas vs. San Jose Dallas vs. San Antonio Dallas vs. Austin Dallas vs. Philadelphia Dallas vs. Jacksonville Metairie vs. Fullerton Metairie vs. Orange Metairie vs. Waco Metairie vs. Warren Metairie vs. Visalia Metairie vs. Columbia