Cost of Living: Denver, CO vs Metairie, LA (2026)

Denver

Colorado
147
VS

Metairie

Louisiana
88

Denver is 67% more expensive than Metairie.

$1,770/mo ↑ 53%
Median Rent
$1,159/mo ↓ 35%
$91,681/yr ↑ 25%
Median Income
$73,256/yr ↓ 20%
$586,700 ↑ 90%
Home Value
$308,900 ↓ 47%
$1,839/mo ↑ 55%
Owner Costs
$1,186/mo ↓ 36%
713,734
Population
138,995

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
4.25%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
0.51%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

23.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Denver, CO and Metairie, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 147 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $611/month cheaper in Metairie, saving renters about $7,332/year.

Median household income is $18,425/year higher in Denver. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Denver is $586,700 compared to $308,900 in Metairie.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Denver vs Metairie — common questions

Is Denver or Metairie cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Metairie is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Denver and Metairie?
Median rent in Denver is $1,770/month and in Metairie it's $1,159/month — a difference of $611/month.
Which city has higher income, Denver or Metairie?
Median household income is $91,681 in Denver and $73,256 in Metairie. Median household income is $18,425/year higher in Denver.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Louisiana?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Denver or Metairie?
It depends on your priorities. Denver has a cost index of 147 with median rent of $1,770/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 Denver details → View Metairie details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Denver and Metairie

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