Cost of Living: Metairie, LA vs Allentown, PA (2026)

Metairie

Louisiana
88
VS

Allentown

Pennsylvania
79

Metairie is 11% more expensive than Allentown.

$1,159/mo ↓ 9%
Median Rent
$1,269/mo ↑ 9%
$73,256/yr ↑ 37%
Median Income
$53,403/yr ↓ 27%
$308,900 ↑ 64%
Home Value
$188,900 ↓ 39%
$1,186/mo ↓ 5%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↑ 5%
138,995
Population
125,320

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
3.07%
4.45%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.55%
Property Tax
1.49%

Affordability

19.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Metairie, LA and Allentown, PA, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $110/month cheaper in Metairie, saving renters about $1,320/year.

Median household income is $19,853/year higher in Metairie. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Metairie is $308,900 compared to $188,900 in Allentown.

Pennsylvania has a lower income tax rate, making Allentown slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Metairie vs Allentown — common questions

Is Metairie or Allentown cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Allentown is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 88 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Metairie and Allentown?
Median rent in Metairie is $1,159/month and in Allentown it's $1,269/month — a difference of $110/month.
Which city has higher income, Metairie or Allentown?
Median household income is $73,256 in Metairie and $53,403 in Allentown. Median household income is $19,853/year higher in Metairie.
How do taxes compare between Louisiana and Pennsylvania?
Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax. Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax.
Should I move to Metairie or Allentown?
It depends on your priorities. Metairie has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,159/mo, while Allentown has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,269/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Metairie details → View Allentown details →

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