Cost of Living: Metairie, LA vs Cambridge, MA (2026)

Metairie

Louisiana
88
VS

Cambridge

Massachusetts
239

Metairie is 63% cheaper than Cambridge.

$1,159/mo ↓ 58%
Median Rent
$2,742/mo ↑ 137%
$73,256/yr ↓ 42%
Median Income
$126,469/yr ↑ 73%
$308,900 ↓ 70%
Home Value
$1,040,500 ↑ 237%
$1,186/mo ↓ 55%
Owner Costs
$2,634/mo ↑ 122%
138,995
Population
117,794

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
9.0%
4.45%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.55%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

19.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Metairie, LA and Cambridge, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 239 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,583/month cheaper in Metairie, saving renters about $18,996/year.

Median household income is $53,213/year higher in Cambridge. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Metairie is $308,900 compared to $1,040,500 in Cambridge.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Metairie vs Cambridge — common questions

Is Metairie or Cambridge cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Metairie is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 239 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Metairie and Cambridge?
Median rent in Metairie is $1,159/month and in Cambridge it's $2,742/month — a difference of $1,583/month.
Which city has higher income, Metairie or Cambridge?
Median household income is $73,256 in Metairie and $126,469 in Cambridge. Median household income is $53,213/year higher in Cambridge.
How do taxes compare between Louisiana and Massachusetts?
Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Metairie or Cambridge?
It depends on your priorities. Metairie has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,159/mo, while Cambridge has a cost index of 239 with rent of $2,742/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Metairie details → View Cambridge details →

More Comparisons

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