Cost of Living: Metairie, LA vs Dayton, OH (2026)

Metairie

Louisiana
88
VS

Dayton

Ohio
50

Metairie is 76% more expensive than Dayton.

$1,159/mo ↑ 34%
Median Rent
$866/mo ↓ 25%
$73,256/yr ↑ 69%
Median Income
$43,454/yr ↓ 41%
$308,900 ↑ 231%
Home Value
$93,200 ↓ 70%
$1,186/mo ↑ 42%
Owner Costs
$833/mo ↓ 30%
138,995
Population
136,741

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
3.5%
4.45%
State Sales Tax
5.75%
0.55%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

19.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Metairie, LA and Dayton, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 50 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $293/month cheaper in Dayton, saving renters about $3,516/year.

Median household income is $29,802/year higher in Metairie. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Metairie is $308,900 compared to $93,200 in Dayton.

Ohio has a lower income tax rate, making Dayton slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Metairie vs Dayton — common questions

Is Metairie or Dayton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dayton is cheaper to live in with an index of 50 compared to 88 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Metairie and Dayton?
Median rent in Metairie is $1,159/month and in Dayton it's $866/month — a difference of $293/month.
Which city has higher income, Metairie or Dayton?
Median household income is $73,256 in Metairie and $43,454 in Dayton. Median household income is $29,802/year higher in Metairie.
How do taxes compare between Louisiana and Ohio?
Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax. Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Metairie or Dayton?
It depends on your priorities. Metairie has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,159/mo, while Dayton has a cost index of 50 with rent of $866/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Metairie details → View Dayton details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Metairie and Dayton

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