Cost of Living: Mesa, AZ vs Metairie, LA (2026)

Mesa

Arizona
107
VS

Metairie

Louisiana
88

Mesa is 22% more expensive than Metairie.

$1,478/mo ↑ 28%
Median Rent
$1,159/mo ↓ 22%
$78,779/yr ↑ 8%
Median Income
$73,256/yr ↓ 7%
$364,300 ↑ 18%
Home Value
$308,900 ↓ 15%
$1,404/mo ↑ 18%
Owner Costs
$1,186/mo ↓ 16%
507,478
Population
138,995

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
4.25%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Mesa, AZ and Metairie, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 107 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $319/month cheaper in Metairie, saving renters about $3,828/year.

Median household income is $5,523/year higher in Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Mesa is $364,300 compared to $308,900 in Metairie.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Mesa slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Mesa vs Metairie — common questions

Is Mesa or Metairie cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Metairie is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 107 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Mesa and Metairie?
Median rent in Mesa is $1,478/month and in Metairie it's $1,159/month — a difference of $319/month.
Which city has higher income, Mesa or Metairie?
Median household income is $78,779 in Mesa and $73,256 in Metairie. Median household income is $5,523/year higher in Mesa.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Louisiana?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% 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 Mesa or Metairie?
It depends on your priorities. Mesa has a cost index of 107 with median rent of $1,478/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 Mesa details → View Metairie details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Mesa and Metairie

Mesa vs. Kansas City Mesa vs. Atlanta Mesa vs. Sacramento Mesa vs. Omaha Mesa vs. Tucson Mesa vs. Colorado Springs Metairie vs. Fullerton Metairie vs. Orange Metairie vs. Waco Metairie vs. Warren Metairie vs. Visalia Metairie vs. Columbia