Cost of Living: Metairie, LA vs Elgin, IL (2026)

Metairie

Louisiana
88
VS

Elgin

Illinois
90

Metairie and Elgin have a similar cost of living.

$1,159/mo ↓ 8%
Median Rent
$1,260/mo ↑ 9%
$73,256/yr ↓ 17%
Median Income
$88,316/yr ↑ 21%
$308,900 ↑ 22%
Home Value
$252,400 ↓ 18%
$1,186/mo ↓ 21%
Owner Costs
$1,502/mo ↑ 27%
138,995
Population
114,106

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
4.95%
4.45%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.55%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

19.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Metairie, LA and Elgin, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $101/month cheaper in Metairie, saving renters about $1,212/year.

Median household income is $15,060/year higher in Elgin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Metairie is $308,900 compared to $252,400 in Elgin.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Metairie vs Elgin — common questions

Is Metairie or Elgin cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Metairie is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 90 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Metairie and Elgin?
Median rent in Metairie is $1,159/month and in Elgin it's $1,260/month — a difference of $101/month.
Which city has higher income, Metairie or Elgin?
Median household income is $73,256 in Metairie and $88,316 in Elgin. Median household income is $15,060/year higher in Elgin.
How do taxes compare between Louisiana and Illinois?
Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Metairie or Elgin?
It depends on your priorities. Metairie has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,159/mo, while Elgin has a cost index of 90 with rent of $1,260/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Metairie details → View Elgin details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Metairie and Elgin

Metairie vs. Fullerton Metairie vs. Orange Metairie vs. Waco Metairie vs. Warren Metairie vs. Visalia Metairie vs. Columbia Elgin vs. Provo Elgin vs. Odessa Elgin vs. Waterbury Elgin vs. Springfield Elgin vs. Carlsbad Elgin vs. Beaumont