Cost of Living: Metairie, LA vs Las Cruces, NM (2026)

Metairie

Louisiana
88
VS

Las Cruces

New Mexico
68

Metairie is 29% more expensive than Las Cruces.

$1,159/mo ↑ 23%
Median Rent
$946/mo ↓ 18%
$73,256/yr ↑ 33%
Median Income
$55,176/yr ↓ 25%
$308,900 ↑ 42%
Home Value
$217,400 ↓ 30%
$1,186/mo ↑ 22%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↓ 18%
138,995
Population
112,612

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
5.9%
4.45%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
0.55%
Property Tax
0.67%

Affordability

19.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Metairie, LA and Las Cruces, NM, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 68 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $213/month cheaper in Las Cruces, saving renters about $2,556/year.

Median household income is $18,080/year higher in Metairie. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Metairie is $308,900 compared to $217,400 in Las Cruces.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Metairie vs Las Cruces — common questions

Is Metairie or Las Cruces cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Las Cruces is cheaper to live in with an index of 68 compared to 88 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Metairie and Las Cruces?
Median rent in Metairie is $1,159/month and in Las Cruces it's $946/month — a difference of $213/month.
Which city has higher income, Metairie or Las Cruces?
Median household income is $73,256 in Metairie and $55,176 in Las Cruces. Median household income is $18,080/year higher in Metairie.
How do taxes compare between Louisiana and New Mexico?
Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax. New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax.
Should I move to Metairie or Las Cruces?
It depends on your priorities. Metairie has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,159/mo, while Las Cruces has a cost index of 68 with rent of $946/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Metairie details → View Las Cruces details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Metairie and Las Cruces

Metairie vs. Fullerton Metairie vs. Orange Metairie vs. Waco Metairie vs. Warren Metairie vs. Visalia Metairie vs. Columbia Las Cruces vs. Gresham Las Cruces vs. Lansing Las Cruces vs. Beaumont Las Cruces vs. Pompano Beach Las Cruces vs. Springfield Las Cruces vs. Peoria