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

Fort Collins

Colorado
137
VS

Metairie

Louisiana
88

Fort Collins is 56% more expensive than Metairie.

$1,661/mo ↑ 43%
Median Rent
$1,159/mo ↓ 30%
$83,598/yr ↑ 14%
Median Income
$73,256/yr ↓ 12%
$548,400 ↑ 78%
Home Value
$308,900 ↓ 44%
$1,692/mo ↑ 43%
Owner Costs
$1,186/mo ↓ 30%
169,705
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

23.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Collins, CO and Metairie, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 137 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $502/month cheaper in Metairie, saving renters about $6,024/year.

Median household income is $10,342/year higher in Fort Collins. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Collins is $548,400 compared to $308,900 in Metairie.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Collins vs Metairie — common questions

Is Fort Collins or Metairie cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Metairie is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Collins and Metairie?
Median rent in Fort Collins is $1,661/month and in Metairie it's $1,159/month — a difference of $502/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Collins or Metairie?
Median household income is $83,598 in Fort Collins and $73,256 in Metairie. Median household income is $10,342/year higher in Fort Collins.
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 Fort Collins or Metairie?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Collins has a cost index of 137 with median rent of $1,661/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 Fort Collins details → View Metairie details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fort Collins and Metairie

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