Cost of Living: Metairie, LA vs Arvada, CO (2026)

Metairie

Louisiana
88
VS

Arvada

Colorado
152

Metairie is 42% cheaper than Arvada.

$1,159/mo ↓ 36%
Median Rent
$1,802/mo ↑ 55%
$73,256/yr ↓ 35%
Median Income
$113,396/yr ↑ 55%
$308,900 ↓ 49%
Home Value
$600,800 ↑ 94%
$1,186/mo ↓ 39%
Owner Costs
$1,948/mo ↑ 64%
138,995
Population
122,835

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
4.4%
4.45%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
0.55%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

19.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Metairie, LA and Arvada, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 152 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $643/month cheaper in Metairie, saving renters about $7,716/year.

Median household income is $40,140/year higher in Arvada. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Metairie is $308,900 compared to $600,800 in Arvada.

Louisiana has a lower income tax rate, making Metairie slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Metairie vs Arvada — common questions

Is Metairie or Arvada cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Metairie is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 152 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Metairie and Arvada?
Median rent in Metairie is $1,159/month and in Arvada it's $1,802/month — a difference of $643/month.
Which city has higher income, Metairie or Arvada?
Median household income is $73,256 in Metairie and $113,396 in Arvada. Median household income is $40,140/year higher in Arvada.
How do taxes compare between Louisiana and Colorado?
Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Metairie or Arvada?
It depends on your priorities. Metairie has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,159/mo, while Arvada has a cost index of 152 with rent of $1,802/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Metairie details → View Arvada details →

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