Cost of Living: Lexington, KY vs Metairie, LA (2026)

Lexington

Kentucky
82
VS

Metairie

Louisiana
88

Lexington is 7% cheaper than Metairie.

$1,101/mo ↓ 5%
Median Rent
$1,159/mo ↑ 5%
$67,631/yr ↓ 8%
Median Income
$73,256/yr ↑ 8%
$272,100 ↓ 12%
Home Value
$308,900 ↑ 14%
$1,160/mo ↓ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,186/mo ↑ 2%
321,122
Population
138,995

Tax Comparison

4.0%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
0.83%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

19.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lexington, KY and Metairie, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 82 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $58/month cheaper in Lexington, saving renters about $696/year.

Median household income is $5,625/year higher in Metairie. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lexington is $272,100 compared to $308,900 in Metairie.

Kentucky has a lower income tax rate, making Lexington slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lexington vs Metairie — common questions

Is Lexington or Metairie cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lexington is cheaper to live in with an index of 82 compared to 88 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lexington and Metairie?
Median rent in Lexington is $1,101/month and in Metairie it's $1,159/month — a difference of $58/month.
Which city has higher income, Lexington or Metairie?
Median household income is $67,631 in Lexington and $73,256 in Metairie. Median household income is $5,625/year higher in Metairie.
How do taxes compare between Kentucky and Louisiana?
Kentucky has 4.0% income tax, 6.0% 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 Lexington or Metairie?
It depends on your priorities. Lexington has a cost index of 82 with median rent of $1,101/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 Lexington details → View Metairie details →

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