Cost of Living: Metairie, LA vs Fargo, ND (2026)

Metairie

Louisiana
88
VS

Fargo

North Dakota
73

Metairie is 21% more expensive than Fargo.

$1,159/mo ↑ 27%
Median Rent
$916/mo ↓ 21%
$73,256/yr ↑ 11%
Median Income
$66,029/yr ↓ 10%
$308,900 ↑ 14%
Home Value
$269,800 ↓ 13%
$1,186/mo ↑ 19%
Owner Costs
$997/mo ↓ 16%
138,995
Population
129,064

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
2.5%
4.45%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
0.55%
Property Tax
0.98%

Affordability

19.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Metairie, LA and Fargo, ND, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $243/month cheaper in Fargo, saving renters about $2,916/year.

Median household income is $7,227/year higher in Metairie. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Metairie is $308,900 compared to $269,800 in Fargo.

North Dakota has a lower income tax rate, making Fargo slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Metairie vs Fargo — common questions

Is Metairie or Fargo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fargo is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 88 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Metairie and Fargo?
Median rent in Metairie is $1,159/month and in Fargo it's $916/month — a difference of $243/month.
Which city has higher income, Metairie or Fargo?
Median household income is $73,256 in Metairie and $66,029 in Fargo. Median household income is $7,227/year higher in Metairie.
How do taxes compare between Louisiana and North Dakota?
Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax. North Dakota has 2.5% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.98% property tax.
Should I move to Metairie or Fargo?
It depends on your priorities. Metairie has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,159/mo, while Fargo has a cost index of 73 with rent of $916/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Metairie details → View Fargo details →

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