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

Houston

Texas
88
VS

Metairie

Louisiana
88

Houston and Metairie have a similar cost of living.

$1,313/mo ↑ 13%
Median Rent
$1,159/mo ↓ 12%
$62,894/yr ↓ 14%
Median Income
$73,256/yr ↑ 16%
$253,400 ↓ 18%
Home Value
$308,900 ↑ 22%
$1,316/mo ↑ 11%
Owner Costs
$1,186/mo ↓ 10%
2,300,419
Population
138,995

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Houston, TX and Metairie, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $154/month cheaper in Metairie, saving renters about $1,848/year.

Median household income is $10,362/year higher in Metairie. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Houston is $253,400 compared to $308,900 in Metairie.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Houston vs Metairie — common questions

Is Houston or Metairie cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Metairie is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 88 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Houston and Metairie?
Median rent in Houston is $1,313/month and in Metairie it's $1,159/month — a difference of $154/month.
Which city has higher income, Houston or Metairie?
Median household income is $62,894 in Houston and $73,256 in Metairie. Median household income is $10,362/year higher in Metairie.
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 Houston or Metairie?
It depends on your priorities. Houston has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,313/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.
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More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Houston and Metairie

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