Cost of Living: Detroit, MI vs Metairie, LA (2026)

Detroit

Michigan
53
VS

Metairie

Louisiana
88

Detroit is 40% cheaper than Metairie.

$1,034/mo ↓ 11%
Median Rent
$1,159/mo ↑ 12%
$39,575/yr ↓ 46%
Median Income
$73,256/yr ↑ 85%
$76,800 ↓ 75%
Home Value
$308,900 ↑ 302%
$868/mo ↓ 27%
Owner Costs
$1,186/mo ↑ 37%
636,644
Population
138,995

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
1.38%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

31.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Detroit, MI and Metairie, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 53 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $125/month cheaper in Detroit, saving renters about $1,500/year.

Median household income is $33,681/year higher in Metairie. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Detroit is $76,800 compared to $308,900 in Metairie.

Frequently Asked Questions

Detroit vs Metairie — common questions

Is Detroit or Metairie cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Detroit is cheaper to live in with an index of 53 compared to 88 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Detroit and Metairie?
Median rent in Detroit is $1,034/month and in Metairie it's $1,159/month — a difference of $125/month.
Which city has higher income, Detroit or Metairie?
Median household income is $39,575 in Detroit and $73,256 in Metairie. Median household income is $33,681/year higher in Metairie.
How do taxes compare between Michigan and Louisiana?
Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Detroit or Metairie?
It depends on your priorities. Detroit has a cost index of 53 with median rent of $1,034/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 Detroit details → View Metairie details →

More Comparisons

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