Cost of Living: Madison, WI vs Metairie, LA (2026)

Madison

Wisconsin
103
VS

Metairie

Louisiana
88

Madison is 17% more expensive than Metairie.

$1,364/mo ↑ 18%
Median Rent
$1,159/mo ↓ 15%
$76,983/yr ↑ 5%
Median Income
$73,256/yr ↓ 5%
$346,900 ↑ 12%
Home Value
$308,900 ↓ 11%
$1,476/mo ↑ 24%
Owner Costs
$1,186/mo ↓ 20%
275,568
Population
138,995

Tax Comparison

7.65%
Income Tax
4.25%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
1.61%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Madison, WI and Metairie, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 103 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $205/month cheaper in Metairie, saving renters about $2,460/year.

Median household income is $3,727/year higher in Madison. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Madison is $346,900 compared to $308,900 in Metairie.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Madison vs Metairie — common questions

Is Madison or Metairie cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Metairie is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 103 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Madison and Metairie?
Median rent in Madison is $1,364/month and in Metairie it's $1,159/month — a difference of $205/month.
Which city has higher income, Madison or Metairie?
Median household income is $76,983 in Madison and $73,256 in Metairie. Median household income is $3,727/year higher in Madison.
How do taxes compare between Wisconsin and Louisiana?
Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Madison or Metairie?
It depends on your priorities. Madison has a cost index of 103 with median rent of $1,364/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 Madison details → View Metairie details →

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