Cost of Living: Metairie, LA vs Lakeland, FL (2026)

Metairie

Louisiana
88
VS

Lakeland

Florida
82

Metairie is 7% more expensive than Lakeland.

$1,159/mo ↓ 11%
Median Rent
$1,299/mo ↑ 12%
$73,256/yr ↑ 20%
Median Income
$60,947/yr ↓ 17%
$308,900 ↑ 35%
Home Value
$229,100 ↓ 26%
$1,186/mo ↑ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,149/mo ↓ 3%
138,995
Population
117,030

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
0%
4.45%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.55%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

19.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Metairie, LA and Lakeland, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 82 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $140/month cheaper in Metairie, saving renters about $1,680/year.

Median household income is $12,309/year higher in Metairie. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Metairie is $308,900 compared to $229,100 in Lakeland.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Metairie vs Lakeland — common questions

Is Metairie or Lakeland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lakeland is cheaper to live in with an index of 82 compared to 88 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Metairie and Lakeland?
Median rent in Metairie is $1,159/month and in Lakeland it's $1,299/month — a difference of $140/month.
Which city has higher income, Metairie or Lakeland?
Median household income is $73,256 in Metairie and $60,947 in Lakeland. Median household income is $12,309/year higher in Metairie.
How do taxes compare between Louisiana and Florida?
Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Metairie or Lakeland?
It depends on your priorities. Metairie has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,159/mo, while Lakeland has a cost index of 82 with rent of $1,299/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Metairie details → View Lakeland details →

More Comparisons

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