Cost of Living: Metairie, LA vs Lafayette, LA (2026)

Metairie

Louisiana
88
VS

Lafayette

Louisiana
77

Metairie is 14% more expensive than Lafayette.

$1,159/mo ↑ 9%
Median Rent
$1,065/mo ↓ 8%
$73,256/yr ↑ 19%
Median Income
$61,454/yr ↓ 16%
$308,900 ↑ 23%
Home Value
$251,300 ↓ 19%
$1,186/mo ↑ 12%
Owner Costs
$1,057/mo ↓ 11%
138,995
Population
121,537

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
4.25%
4.45%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
0.55%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

19.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Metairie, LA and Lafayette, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 77 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $94/month cheaper in Lafayette, saving renters about $1,128/year.

Median household income is $11,802/year higher in Metairie. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Metairie is $308,900 compared to $251,300 in Lafayette.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in Louisiana.

Frequently Asked Questions

Metairie vs Lafayette — common questions

Is Metairie or Lafayette cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lafayette is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 88 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Metairie and Lafayette?
Median rent in Metairie is $1,159/month and in Lafayette it's $1,065/month — a difference of $94/month.
Which city has higher income, Metairie or Lafayette?
Median household income is $73,256 in Metairie and $61,454 in Lafayette. Median household income is $11,802/year higher in Metairie.
How do taxes compare between Louisiana and Louisiana?
Both cities are in Louisiana and share the same state tax rates: 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Metairie or Lafayette?
It depends on your priorities. Metairie has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,159/mo, while Lafayette has a cost index of 77 with rent of $1,065/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Metairie details → View Lafayette details →

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