Cost of Living: Metairie, LA vs Independence, MO (2026)

Metairie

Louisiana
88
VS

Independence

Missouri
67

Metairie is 31% more expensive than Independence.

$1,159/mo ↑ 9%
Median Rent
$1,061/mo ↓ 8%
$73,256/yr ↑ 23%
Median Income
$59,480/yr ↓ 19%
$308,900 ↑ 86%
Home Value
$166,400 ↓ 46%
$1,186/mo ↑ 13%
Owner Costs
$1,046/mo ↓ 12%
138,995
Population
121,944

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
4.95%
4.45%
State Sales Tax
4.225%
0.55%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

19.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Metairie, LA and Independence, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 67 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $98/month cheaper in Independence, saving renters about $1,176/year.

Median household income is $13,776/year higher in Metairie. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Metairie is $308,900 compared to $166,400 in Independence.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Metairie vs Independence — common questions

Is Metairie or Independence cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Independence is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 88 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Metairie and Independence?
Median rent in Metairie is $1,159/month and in Independence it's $1,061/month — a difference of $98/month.
Which city has higher income, Metairie or Independence?
Median household income is $73,256 in Metairie and $59,480 in Independence. Median household income is $13,776/year higher in Metairie.
How do taxes compare between Louisiana and Missouri?
Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax. Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Metairie or Independence?
It depends on your priorities. Metairie has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,159/mo, while Independence has a cost index of 67 with rent of $1,061/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Metairie details → View Independence details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Metairie and Independence

Metairie vs. Fullerton Metairie vs. Orange Metairie vs. Waco Metairie vs. Warren Metairie vs. Visalia Metairie vs. Columbia Independence vs. College Station Independence vs. Rochester Independence vs. Clovis Independence vs. Lafayette Independence vs. Arvada Independence vs. Ann Arbor