Cost of Living: Durham, NC vs Metairie, LA (2026)

Durham

North Carolina
105
VS

Metairie

Louisiana
88

Durham is 19% more expensive than Metairie.

$1,412/mo ↑ 22%
Median Rent
$1,159/mo ↓ 18%
$79,234/yr ↑ 8%
Median Income
$73,256/yr ↓ 8%
$355,300 ↑ 15%
Home Value
$308,900 ↓ 13%
$1,434/mo ↑ 21%
Owner Costs
$1,186/mo ↓ 17%
288,465
Population
138,995

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
4.25%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Durham, NC and Metairie, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $253/month cheaper in Metairie, saving renters about $3,036/year.

Median household income is $5,978/year higher in Durham. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Durham is $355,300 compared to $308,900 in Metairie.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Durham vs Metairie — common questions

Is Durham or Metairie cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Metairie is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Durham and Metairie?
Median rent in Durham is $1,412/month and in Metairie it's $1,159/month — a difference of $253/month.
Which city has higher income, Durham or Metairie?
Median household income is $79,234 in Durham and $73,256 in Metairie. Median household income is $5,978/year higher in Durham.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Louisiana?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Durham or Metairie?
It depends on your priorities. Durham has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,412/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 Durham details → View Metairie details →

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