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

Killeen

Texas
75
VS

Metairie

Louisiana
88

Killeen is 15% cheaper than Metairie.

$1,147/mo ↓ 1%
Median Rent
$1,159/mo ↑ 1%
$58,339/yr ↓ 20%
Median Income
$73,256/yr ↑ 26%
$196,000 ↓ 37%
Home Value
$308,900 ↑ 58%
$1,176/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,186/mo ≈ Same
156,144
Population
138,995

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

23.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Killeen, TX and Metairie, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 75 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $14,917/year higher in Metairie. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Killeen is $196,000 compared to $308,900 in Metairie.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Killeen vs Metairie — common questions

Is Killeen or Metairie cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Killeen is cheaper to live in with an index of 75 compared to 88 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Killeen and Metairie?
Median rent in Killeen is $1,147/month and in Metairie it's $1,159/month — a difference of $12/month.
Which city has higher income, Killeen or Metairie?
Median household income is $58,339 in Killeen and $73,256 in Metairie. Median household income is $14,917/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 Killeen or Metairie?
It depends on your priorities. Killeen has a cost index of 75 with median rent of $1,147/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 Killeen details → View Metairie details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Killeen and Metairie

Killeen vs. Lakewood Killeen vs. Kansas City Killeen vs. Macon Killeen vs. Springfield Killeen vs. Alexandria Killeen vs. Sunnyvale Metairie vs. Fullerton Metairie vs. Orange Metairie vs. Waco Metairie vs. Warren Metairie vs. Visalia Metairie vs. Columbia