Cost of Living: Metairie, LA vs Kent, WA (2026)

Metairie

Louisiana
88
VS

Kent

Washington
145

Metairie is 39% cheaper than Kent.

$1,159/mo ↓ 37%
Median Rent
$1,833/mo ↑ 58%
$73,256/yr ↓ 19%
Median Income
$90,416/yr ↑ 23%
$308,900 ↓ 43%
Home Value
$537,500 ↑ 74%
$1,186/mo ↓ 38%
Owner Costs
$1,915/mo ↑ 61%
138,995
Population
135,015

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
0%
4.45%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.55%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

19.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Metairie, LA and Kent, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 145 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $674/month cheaper in Metairie, saving renters about $8,088/year.

Median household income is $17,160/year higher in Kent. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Metairie is $308,900 compared to $537,500 in Kent.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Kent residents a significant tax advantage over Louisiana's 4.25% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Metairie vs Kent — common questions

Is Metairie or Kent cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Metairie is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 145 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Metairie and Kent?
Median rent in Metairie is $1,159/month and in Kent it's $1,833/month — a difference of $674/month.
Which city has higher income, Metairie or Kent?
Median household income is $73,256 in Metairie and $90,416 in Kent. Median household income is $17,160/year higher in Kent.
How do taxes compare between Louisiana and Washington?
Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Metairie or Kent?
It depends on your priorities. Metairie has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,159/mo, while Kent has a cost index of 145 with rent of $1,833/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Metairie details → View Kent details →

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