Cost of Living: Des Moines, IA vs Metairie, LA (2026)

Des Moines

Iowa
70
VS

Metairie

Louisiana
88

Des Moines is 20% cheaper than Metairie.

$1,054/mo ↓ 9%
Median Rent
$1,159/mo ↑ 10%
$63,966/yr ↓ 13%
Median Income
$73,256/yr ↑ 15%
$183,700 ↓ 41%
Home Value
$308,900 ↑ 68%
$1,137/mo ↓ 4%
Owner Costs
$1,186/mo ↑ 4%
212,464
Population
138,995

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
1.57%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Des Moines, IA and Metairie, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 70 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $105/month cheaper in Des Moines, saving renters about $1,260/year.

Median household income is $9,290/year higher in Metairie. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Des Moines is $183,700 compared to $308,900 in Metairie.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Des Moines vs Metairie — common questions

Is Des Moines or Metairie cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Des Moines is cheaper to live in with an index of 70 compared to 88 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Des Moines and Metairie?
Median rent in Des Moines is $1,054/month and in Metairie it's $1,159/month — a difference of $105/month.
Which city has higher income, Des Moines or Metairie?
Median household income is $63,966 in Des Moines and $73,256 in Metairie. Median household income is $9,290/year higher in Metairie.
How do taxes compare between Iowa and Louisiana?
Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Des Moines or Metairie?
It depends on your priorities. Des Moines has a cost index of 70 with median rent of $1,054/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 Des Moines details → View Metairie details →

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