Cost of Living: Metairie, LA vs College Station, TX (2026)

Metairie

Louisiana
88
VS

College Station

Texas
91

Metairie is 3% cheaper than College Station.

$1,159/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,168/mo ≈ Same
$73,256/yr ↑ 41%
Median Income
$51,776/yr ↓ 29%
$308,900 ↓ 5%
Home Value
$326,500 ↑ 6%
$1,186/mo ↓ 5%
Owner Costs
$1,251/mo ↑ 5%
138,995
Population
122,280

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
0%
4.45%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.55%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

19.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Metairie, LA and College Station, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $21,480/year higher in Metairie. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Metairie is $308,900 compared to $326,500 in College Station.

Texas has no state income tax, giving College Station residents a significant tax advantage over Louisiana's 4.25% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Metairie vs College Station — common questions

Is Metairie or College Station cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Metairie is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 91 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Metairie and College Station?
Median rent in Metairie is $1,159/month and in College Station it's $1,168/month — a difference of $9/month.
Which city has higher income, Metairie or College Station?
Median household income is $73,256 in Metairie and $51,776 in College Station. Median household income is $21,480/year higher in Metairie.
How do taxes compare between Louisiana and Texas?
Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Metairie or College Station?
It depends on your priorities. Metairie has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,159/mo, while College Station has a cost index of 91 with rent of $1,168/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Metairie details → View College Station details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Metairie and College Station

Metairie vs. Fullerton Metairie vs. Orange Metairie vs. Waco Metairie vs. Warren Metairie vs. Visalia Metairie vs. Columbia College Station vs. Clovis College Station vs. Independence College Station vs. Arvada College Station vs. Rochester College Station vs. Concord College Station vs. Lafayette