Cost of Living: Metairie, LA vs Athens, GA (2026)

Metairie

Louisiana
88
VS

Athens

Georgia
83

Metairie is 6% more expensive than Athens.

$1,159/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,162/mo ≈ Same
$73,256/yr ↑ 42%
Median Income
$51,655/yr ↓ 29%
$308,900 ↑ 14%
Home Value
$271,800 ↓ 12%
$1,186/mo ↑ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,163/mo ↓ 2%
138,995
Population
126,987

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
5.49%
4.45%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.55%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

19.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Metairie, LA and Athens, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $21,601/year higher in Metairie. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Metairie is $308,900 compared to $271,800 in Athens.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Metairie vs Athens — common questions

Is Metairie or Athens cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Athens is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 88 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Metairie and Athens?
Median rent in Metairie is $1,159/month and in Athens it's $1,162/month — a difference of $3/month.
Which city has higher income, Metairie or Athens?
Median household income is $73,256 in Metairie and $51,655 in Athens. Median household income is $21,601/year higher in Metairie.
How do taxes compare between Louisiana and Georgia?
Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax. Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Metairie or Athens?
It depends on your priorities. Metairie has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,159/mo, while Athens has a cost index of 83 with rent of $1,162/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Metairie details → View Athens details →

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