Cost of Living: Mesquite, TX vs Metairie, LA (2026)

Mesquite

Texas
89
VS

Metairie

Louisiana
88

Mesquite and Metairie have a similar cost of living.

$1,407/mo ↑ 21%
Median Rent
$1,159/mo ↓ 18%
$71,843/yr ↓ 2%
Median Income
$73,256/yr ↑ 2%
$226,500 ↓ 27%
Home Value
$308,900 ↑ 36%
$1,383/mo ↑ 17%
Owner Costs
$1,186/mo ↓ 14%
148,848
Population
138,995

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

23.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Mesquite, TX and Metairie, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 89 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $248/month cheaper in Metairie, saving renters about $2,976/year.

Median household income is $1,413/year higher in Metairie. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Mesquite is $226,500 compared to $308,900 in Metairie.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Mesquite vs Metairie — common questions

Is Mesquite or Metairie cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Metairie is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 89 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Mesquite and Metairie?
Median rent in Mesquite is $1,407/month and in Metairie it's $1,159/month — a difference of $248/month.
Which city has higher income, Mesquite or Metairie?
Median household income is $71,843 in Mesquite and $73,256 in Metairie. Median household income is $1,413/year higher in Metairie.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Louisiana?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Mesquite or Metairie?
It depends on your priorities. Mesquite has a cost index of 89 with median rent of $1,407/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 Mesquite details → View Metairie details →

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