Cost of Living: Metairie, LA vs Cedar Rapids, IA (2026)

Metairie

Louisiana
88
VS

Cedar Rapids

Iowa
65

Metairie is 23% more expensive than Cedar Rapids.

$1,159/mo ↑ 25%
Median Rent
$925/mo ↓ 20%
$73,256/yr ↑ 8%
Median Income
$67,859/yr ↓ 7%
$308,900 ↑ 74%
Home Value
$177,100 ↓ 43%
$1,186/mo ↑ 9%
Owner Costs
$1,084/mo ↓ 9%
138,995
Population
136,859

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
5.7%
4.45%
Sales Tax
6.0%
0.55%
Property Tax
1.57%

Affordability

19.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Metairie, LA and Cedar Rapids, IA, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $234/month cheaper in Cedar Rapids, saving renters about $2,808/year.

Median household income is $5,397/year higher in Metairie. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Metairie is $308,900 compared to $177,100 in Cedar Rapids.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Metairie vs Cedar Rapids — common questions

Is Metairie or Cedar Rapids cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cedar Rapids is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 88 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Metairie and Cedar Rapids?
Median rent in Metairie is $1,159/month and in Cedar Rapids it's $925/month — a difference of $234/month.
Which city has higher income, Metairie or Cedar Rapids?
Median household income is $73,256 in Metairie and $67,859 in Cedar Rapids. Median household income is $5,397/year higher in Metairie.
How do taxes compare between Louisiana and Iowa?
Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax. Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax.
Should I move to Metairie or Cedar Rapids?
It depends on your priorities. Metairie has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,159/mo, while Cedar Rapids has a cost index of 65 with rent of $925/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Metairie details → View Cedar Rapids details →