Cost of Living: Little Rock, AR vs Metairie, LA (2026)

Little Rock

Arkansas
74
VS

Metairie

Louisiana
88

Little Rock is 16% cheaper than Metairie.

$1,067/mo ↓ 8%
Median Rent
$1,159/mo ↑ 9%
$60,583/yr ↓ 17%
Median Income
$73,256/yr ↑ 21%
$221,200 ↓ 28%
Home Value
$308,900 ↑ 40%
$1,099/mo ↓ 7%
Owner Costs
$1,186/mo ↑ 8%
202,739
Population
138,995

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Little Rock, AR and Metairie, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $92/month cheaper in Little Rock, saving renters about $1,104/year.

Median household income is $12,673/year higher in Metairie. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Little Rock is $221,200 compared to $308,900 in Metairie.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Little Rock vs Metairie — common questions

Is Little Rock or Metairie cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Little Rock is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 88 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Little Rock and Metairie?
Median rent in Little Rock is $1,067/month and in Metairie it's $1,159/month — a difference of $92/month.
Which city has higher income, Little Rock or Metairie?
Median household income is $60,583 in Little Rock and $73,256 in Metairie. Median household income is $12,673/year higher in Metairie.
How do taxes compare between Arkansas and Louisiana?
Arkansas has 4.4% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Little Rock or Metairie?
It depends on your priorities. Little Rock has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,067/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 Little Rock details → View Metairie details →

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