Cost of Living: Jersey City, NJ vs Metairie, LA (2026)

Jersey City

New Jersey
148
VS

Metairie

Louisiana
88

Jersey City is 68% more expensive than Metairie.

$1,902/mo ↑ 64%
Median Rent
$1,159/mo ↓ 39%
$94,813/yr ↑ 29%
Median Income
$73,256/yr ↓ 23%
$534,500 ↑ 73%
Home Value
$308,900 ↓ 42%
$2,006/mo ↑ 69%
Owner Costs
$1,186/mo ↓ 41%
289,691
Population
138,995

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
2.23%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

24.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Jersey City, NJ and Metairie, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 148 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $743/month cheaper in Metairie, saving renters about $8,916/year.

Median household income is $21,557/year higher in Jersey City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Jersey City is $534,500 compared to $308,900 in Metairie.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Jersey City vs Metairie — common questions

Is Jersey City or Metairie cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Metairie is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 148 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Jersey City and Metairie?
Median rent in Jersey City is $1,902/month and in Metairie it's $1,159/month — a difference of $743/month.
Which city has higher income, Jersey City or Metairie?
Median household income is $94,813 in Jersey City and $73,256 in Metairie. Median household income is $21,557/year higher in Jersey City.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and Louisiana?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Jersey City or Metairie?
It depends on your priorities. Jersey City has a cost index of 148 with median rent of $1,902/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 Jersey City details → View Metairie details →

More Comparisons

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