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

Metairie

Louisiana
88
VS

Abilene

Texas
71

Metairie is 24% more expensive than Abilene.

$1,159/mo ↑ 5%
Median Rent
$1,106/mo ↓ 5%
$73,256/yr ↑ 17%
Median Income
$62,720/yr ↓ 14%
$308,900 ↑ 73%
Home Value
$178,900 ↓ 42%
$1,186/mo ↑ 6%
Owner Costs
$1,114/mo ↓ 6%
138,995
Population
127,130

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

19.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Metairie, LA and Abilene, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 71 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $53/month cheaper in Abilene, saving renters about $636/year.

Median household income is $10,536/year higher in Metairie. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Metairie is $308,900 compared to $178,900 in Abilene.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Metairie vs Abilene — common questions

Is Metairie or Abilene cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Abilene is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 88 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Metairie and Abilene?
Median rent in Metairie is $1,159/month and in Abilene it's $1,106/month — a difference of $53/month.
Which city has higher income, Metairie or Abilene?
Median household income is $73,256 in Metairie and $62,720 in Abilene. Median household income is $10,536/year higher in Metairie.
How do taxes compare between Louisiana and Texas?
Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Metairie or Abilene?
It depends on your priorities. Metairie has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,159/mo, while Abilene has a cost index of 71 with rent of $1,106/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Metairie details → View Abilene details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Metairie and Abilene

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