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

Memphis

Tennessee
68
VS

Metairie

Louisiana
88

Memphis is 23% cheaper than Metairie.

$1,123/mo ↓ 3%
Median Rent
$1,159/mo ↑ 3%
$51,211/yr ↓ 30%
Median Income
$73,256/yr ↑ 43%
$157,100 ↓ 49%
Home Value
$308,900 ↑ 97%
$1,087/mo ↓ 8%
Owner Costs
$1,186/mo ↑ 9%
629,063
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 Memphis, TN and Metairie, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 68 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $22,045/year higher in Metairie. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Memphis is $157,100 compared to $308,900 in Metairie.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Memphis vs Metairie — common questions

Is Memphis or Metairie cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Memphis is cheaper to live in with an index of 68 compared to 88 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Memphis and Metairie?
Median rent in Memphis is $1,123/month and in Metairie it's $1,159/month — a difference of $36/month.
Which city has higher income, Memphis or Metairie?
Median household income is $51,211 in Memphis and $73,256 in Metairie. Median household income is $22,045/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 Memphis or Metairie?
It depends on your priorities. Memphis has a cost index of 68 with median rent of $1,123/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.
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More Comparisons

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