Cost of Living: Garland, TX vs Metairie, LA (2026)

Garland

Texas
96
VS

Metairie

Louisiana
88

Garland is 9% more expensive than Metairie.

$1,525/mo ↑ 32%
Median Rent
$1,159/mo ↓ 24%
$74,717/yr ↑ 2%
Median Income
$73,256/yr ↓ 2%
$248,900 ↓ 19%
Home Value
$308,900 ↑ 24%
$1,445/mo ↑ 22%
Owner Costs
$1,186/mo ↓ 18%
245,298
Population
138,995

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

24.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Garland, TX and Metairie, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 96 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $366/month cheaper in Metairie, saving renters about $4,392/year.

Median household income is $1,461/year higher in Garland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Garland is $248,900 compared to $308,900 in Metairie.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Garland residents a significant tax advantage over Louisiana's 4.25% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Garland vs Metairie — common questions

Is Garland or Metairie cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Metairie is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 96 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Garland and Metairie?
Median rent in Garland is $1,525/month and in Metairie it's $1,159/month — a difference of $366/month.
Which city has higher income, Garland or Metairie?
Median household income is $74,717 in Garland and $73,256 in Metairie. Median household income is $1,461/year higher in Garland.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Louisiana?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Garland or Metairie?
It depends on your priorities. Garland has a cost index of 96 with median rent of $1,525/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 Garland details → View Metairie details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Garland and Metairie

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