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

Metairie

Louisiana
88
VS

Allen

Texas
137

Metairie is 36% cheaper than Allen.

$1,159/mo ↓ 38%
Median Rent
$1,877/mo ↑ 62%
$73,256/yr ↓ 43%
Median Income
$129,130/yr ↑ 76%
$308,900 ↓ 28%
Home Value
$429,900 ↑ 39%
$1,186/mo ↓ 43%
Owner Costs
$2,083/mo ↑ 76%
138,995
Population
107,684

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
17.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Metairie, LA and Allen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $718/month cheaper in Metairie, saving renters about $8,616/year.

Median household income is $55,874/year higher in Allen. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Metairie is $308,900 compared to $429,900 in Allen.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Metairie vs Allen — common questions

Is Metairie or Allen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Metairie is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Metairie and Allen?
Median rent in Metairie is $1,159/month and in Allen it's $1,877/month — a difference of $718/month.
Which city has higher income, Metairie or Allen?
Median household income is $73,256 in Metairie and $129,130 in Allen. Median household income is $55,874/year higher in Allen.
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 Allen?
It depends on your priorities. Metairie has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,159/mo, while Allen has a cost index of 137 with rent of $1,877/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Metairie details → View Allen details →

More Comparisons

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