Cost of Living: Metairie, LA vs Billings, MT (2026)

Metairie

Louisiana
88
VS

Billings

Montana
86

Metairie and Billings have a similar cost of living.

$1,159/mo ↑ 6%
Median Rent
$1,097/mo ↓ 5%
$73,256/yr ↑ 2%
Median Income
$71,855/yr ↓ 2%
$308,900 ≈ Same
Home Value
$311,800 ≈ Same
$1,186/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,177/mo ≈ Same
138,995
Population
118,321

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
6.75%
4.45%
State Sales Tax
0%
0.55%
Property Tax
0.74%

Affordability

19.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Metairie, LA and Billings, MT, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 86 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $62/month cheaper in Billings, saving renters about $744/year.

Median household income is $1,401/year higher in Metairie. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Metairie is $308,900 compared to $311,800 in Billings.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Metairie vs Billings — common questions

Is Metairie or Billings cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Billings is cheaper to live in with an index of 86 compared to 88 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Metairie and Billings?
Median rent in Metairie is $1,159/month and in Billings it's $1,097/month — a difference of $62/month.
Which city has higher income, Metairie or Billings?
Median household income is $73,256 in Metairie and $71,855 in Billings. Median household income is $1,401/year higher in Metairie.
How do taxes compare between Louisiana and Montana?
Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax. Montana has 6.75% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.74% property tax.
Should I move to Metairie or Billings?
It depends on your priorities. Metairie has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,159/mo, while Billings has a cost index of 86 with rent of $1,097/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Metairie details → View Billings details →

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