Cost of Living: Indianapolis, IN vs Metairie, LA (2026)

Indianapolis

Indiana
74
VS

Metairie

Louisiana
88

Indianapolis is 16% cheaper than Metairie.

$1,112/mo ↓ 4%
Median Rent
$1,159/mo ↑ 4%
$62,995/yr ↓ 14%
Median Income
$73,256/yr ↑ 16%
$207,000 ↓ 33%
Home Value
$308,900 ↑ 49%
$1,124/mo ↓ 5%
Owner Costs
$1,186/mo ↑ 6%
882,043
Population
138,995

Tax Comparison

3.05%
Income Tax
4.25%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
0.83%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

21.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Indianapolis, IN and Metairie, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $10,261/year higher in Metairie. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Indianapolis is $207,000 compared to $308,900 in Metairie.

Indiana has a lower income tax rate, making Indianapolis slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Indianapolis vs Metairie — common questions

Is Indianapolis or Metairie cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Indianapolis is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 88 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Indianapolis and Metairie?
Median rent in Indianapolis is $1,112/month and in Metairie it's $1,159/month — a difference of $47/month.
Which city has higher income, Indianapolis or Metairie?
Median household income is $62,995 in Indianapolis and $73,256 in Metairie. Median household income is $10,261/year higher in Metairie.
How do taxes compare between Indiana and Louisiana?
Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Indianapolis or Metairie?
It depends on your priorities. Indianapolis has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,112/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

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