Cost of Living: Metairie, LA vs Columbia, SC (2026)

Metairie

Louisiana
88
VS

Columbia

South Carolina
80

Metairie is 8% more expensive than Columbia.

$1,159/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,158/mo ≈ Same
$73,256/yr ↑ 32%
Median Income
$55,653/yr ↓ 24%
$308,900 ↑ 27%
Home Value
$243,500 ↓ 21%
$1,186/mo ↑ 1%
Owner Costs
$1,169/mo ↓ 1%
138,995
Population
138,019

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
6.4%
4.45%
Sales Tax
6.0%
0.55%
Property Tax
0.57%

Affordability

19.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Metairie, LA and Columbia, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 80 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $17,603/year higher in Metairie. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Metairie is $308,900 compared to $243,500 in Columbia.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Metairie vs Columbia — common questions

Is Metairie or Columbia cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbia is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 88 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Metairie and Columbia?
Median rent in Metairie is $1,159/month and in Columbia it's $1,158/month — a difference of $1/month.
Which city has higher income, Metairie or Columbia?
Median household income is $73,256 in Metairie and $55,653 in Columbia. Median household income is $17,603/year higher in Metairie.
How do taxes compare between Louisiana and South Carolina?
Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax. South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax.
Should I move to Metairie or Columbia?
It depends on your priorities. Metairie has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,159/mo, while Columbia has a cost index of 80 with rent of $1,158/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Metairie details → View Columbia details →