Cost of Living: Huntsville, AL vs Metairie, LA (2026)

Huntsville

Alabama
78
VS

Metairie

Louisiana
88

Huntsville is 11% cheaper than Metairie.

$1,078/mo ↓ 7%
Median Rent
$1,159/mo ↑ 8%
$70,778/yr ↓ 3%
Median Income
$73,256/yr ↑ 4%
$263,100 ↓ 15%
Home Value
$308,900 ↑ 17%
$1,046/mo ↓ 12%
Owner Costs
$1,186/mo ↑ 13%
218,814
Population
138,995

Tax Comparison

5.0%
Income Tax
4.25%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
0.41%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

18.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Huntsville, AL and Metairie, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 78 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $81/month cheaper in Huntsville, saving renters about $972/year.

Median household income is $2,478/year higher in Metairie. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Huntsville is $263,100 compared to $308,900 in Metairie.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Huntsville vs Metairie — common questions

Is Huntsville or Metairie cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Huntsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 78 compared to 88 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Huntsville and Metairie?
Median rent in Huntsville is $1,078/month and in Metairie it's $1,159/month — a difference of $81/month.
Which city has higher income, Huntsville or Metairie?
Median household income is $70,778 in Huntsville and $73,256 in Metairie. Median household income is $2,478/year higher in Metairie.
How do taxes compare between Alabama and Louisiana?
Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Huntsville or Metairie?
It depends on your priorities. Huntsville has a cost index of 78 with median rent of $1,078/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 Huntsville details → View Metairie details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Huntsville and Metairie

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