Cost of Living: Metairie, LA vs Clearwater, FL (2026)

Metairie

Louisiana
88
VS

Clearwater

Florida
105

Metairie is 16% cheaper than Clearwater.

$1,159/mo ↓ 25%
Median Rent
$1,539/mo ↑ 33%
$73,256/yr ↑ 14%
Median Income
$64,440/yr ↓ 12%
$308,900 ↓ 5%
Home Value
$326,100 ↑ 6%
$1,186/mo ↓ 16%
Owner Costs
$1,411/mo ↑ 19%
138,995
Population
117,075

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
0%
4.45%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.55%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

19.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Metairie, LA and Clearwater, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $380/month cheaper in Metairie, saving renters about $4,560/year.

Median household income is $8,816/year higher in Metairie. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Metairie is $308,900 compared to $326,100 in Clearwater.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Clearwater residents a significant tax advantage over Louisiana's 4.25% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Metairie vs Clearwater — common questions

Is Metairie or Clearwater cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Metairie is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Metairie and Clearwater?
Median rent in Metairie is $1,159/month and in Clearwater it's $1,539/month — a difference of $380/month.
Which city has higher income, Metairie or Clearwater?
Median household income is $73,256 in Metairie and $64,440 in Clearwater. Median household income is $8,816/year higher in Metairie.
How do taxes compare between Louisiana and Florida?
Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Metairie or Clearwater?
It depends on your priorities. Metairie has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,159/mo, while Clearwater has a cost index of 105 with rent of $1,539/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Metairie details → View Clearwater details →

More Comparisons

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