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

Fayetteville

North Carolina
73
VS

Metairie

Louisiana
88

Fayetteville is 17% cheaper than Metairie.

$1,179/mo ↑ 2%
Median Rent
$1,159/mo ↓ 2%
$56,395/yr ↓ 23%
Median Income
$73,256/yr ↑ 30%
$171,900 ↓ 44%
Home Value
$308,900 ↑ 80%
$1,156/mo ↓ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,186/mo ↑ 3%
209,692
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

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fayetteville, NC and Metairie, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 73 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $16,861/year higher in Metairie. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fayetteville is $171,900 compared to $308,900 in Metairie.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fayetteville vs Metairie — common questions

Is Fayetteville or Metairie cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fayetteville is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 88 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fayetteville and Metairie?
Median rent in Fayetteville is $1,179/month and in Metairie it's $1,159/month — a difference of $20/month.
Which city has higher income, Fayetteville or Metairie?
Median household income is $56,395 in Fayetteville and $73,256 in Metairie. Median household income is $16,861/year higher in Metairie.
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 Fayetteville or Metairie?
It depends on your priorities. Fayetteville has a cost index of 73 with median rent of $1,179/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 Fayetteville details → View Metairie details →

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