Cost of Living: Metairie, LA vs Elizabeth, NJ (2026)

Metairie

Louisiana
88
VS

Elizabeth

New Jersey
112

Metairie is 21% cheaper than Elizabeth.

$1,159/mo ↓ 21%
Median Rent
$1,463/mo ↑ 26%
$73,256/yr ↑ 15%
Median Income
$63,874/yr ↓ 13%
$308,900 ↓ 21%
Home Value
$393,500 ↑ 27%
$1,186/mo ↓ 23%
Owner Costs
$1,543/mo ↑ 30%
138,995
Population
135,887

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
10.75%
4.45%
State Sales Tax
6.625%
0.55%
Property Tax
2.23%

Affordability

19.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Metairie, LA and Elizabeth, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 112 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $304/month cheaper in Metairie, saving renters about $3,648/year.

Median household income is $9,382/year higher in Metairie. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Metairie is $308,900 compared to $393,500 in Elizabeth.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Metairie vs Elizabeth — common questions

Is Metairie or Elizabeth cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Metairie is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Metairie and Elizabeth?
Median rent in Metairie is $1,159/month and in Elizabeth it's $1,463/month — a difference of $304/month.
Which city has higher income, Metairie or Elizabeth?
Median household income is $73,256 in Metairie and $63,874 in Elizabeth. Median household income is $9,382/year higher in Metairie.
How do taxes compare between Louisiana and New Jersey?
Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax. New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax.
Should I move to Metairie or Elizabeth?
It depends on your priorities. Metairie has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,159/mo, while Elizabeth has a cost index of 112 with rent of $1,463/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Metairie details → View Elizabeth details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Metairie and Elizabeth

Metairie vs. Fullerton Metairie vs. Orange Metairie vs. Waco Metairie vs. Warren Metairie vs. Visalia Metairie vs. Columbia Elizabeth vs. Victorville Elizabeth vs. Stamford Elizabeth vs. Miramar Elizabeth vs. Kent Elizabeth vs. Pasadena Elizabeth vs. Midland