Cost of Living: Knoxville, TN vs Metairie, LA (2026)

Knoxville

Tennessee
74
VS

Metairie

Louisiana
88

Knoxville is 16% cheaper than Metairie.

$1,116/mo ↓ 4%
Median Rent
$1,159/mo ↑ 4%
$50,994/yr ↓ 30%
Median Income
$73,256/yr ↑ 44%
$214,000 ↓ 31%
Home Value
$308,900 ↑ 44%
$1,075/mo ↓ 9%
Owner Costs
$1,186/mo ↑ 10%
193,721
Population
138,995

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.25%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
0.64%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

26.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Knoxville, TN 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 $22,262/year higher in Metairie. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Knoxville is $214,000 compared to $308,900 in Metairie.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Knoxville vs Metairie — common questions

Is Knoxville or Metairie cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Knoxville is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 88 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Knoxville and Metairie?
Median rent in Knoxville is $1,116/month and in Metairie it's $1,159/month — a difference of $43/month.
Which city has higher income, Knoxville or Metairie?
Median household income is $50,994 in Knoxville and $73,256 in Metairie. Median household income is $22,262/year higher in Metairie.
How do taxes compare between Tennessee and Louisiana?
Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Knoxville or Metairie?
It depends on your priorities. Knoxville has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,116/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 Knoxville details → View Metairie details →

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