Cost of Living: Kansas City, MO vs Metairie, LA (2026)

Kansas City

Missouri
80
VS

Metairie

Louisiana
88

Kansas City is 9% cheaper than Metairie.

$1,186/mo ↑ 2%
Median Rent
$1,159/mo ↓ 2%
$67,449/yr ↓ 8%
Median Income
$73,256/yr ↑ 9%
$227,000 ↓ 27%
Home Value
$308,900 ↑ 36%
$1,205/mo ↑ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,186/mo ↓ 2%
508,233
Population
138,995

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
4.25%
4.225%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
0.93%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

21.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Kansas City, MO and Metairie, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $5,807/year higher in Metairie. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Kansas City is $227,000 compared to $308,900 in Metairie.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Kansas City vs Metairie — common questions

Is Kansas City or Metairie cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Kansas City is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 88 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Kansas City and Metairie?
Median rent in Kansas City is $1,186/month and in Metairie it's $1,159/month — a difference of $27/month.
Which city has higher income, Kansas City or Metairie?
Median household income is $67,449 in Kansas City and $73,256 in Metairie. Median household income is $5,807/year higher in Metairie.
How do taxes compare between Missouri and Louisiana?
Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Kansas City or Metairie?
It depends on your priorities. Kansas City has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,186/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 Kansas City details → View Metairie details →

More Comparisons

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