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

Metairie

Louisiana
88
VS

Lehigh Acres

Florida
95

Metairie is 7% cheaper than Lehigh Acres.

$1,159/mo ↓ 23%
Median Rent
$1,496/mo ↑ 29%
$73,256/yr ↑ 18%
Median Income
$62,330/yr ↓ 15%
$308,900 ↑ 17%
Home Value
$263,200 ↓ 15%
$1,186/mo ↓ 11%
Owner Costs
$1,330/mo ↑ 12%
138,995
Population
127,391

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
28.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Metairie, LA and Lehigh Acres, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 95 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $337/month cheaper in Metairie, saving renters about $4,044/year.

Median household income is $10,926/year higher in Metairie. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Metairie is $308,900 compared to $263,200 in Lehigh Acres.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Metairie vs Lehigh Acres — common questions

Is Metairie or Lehigh Acres cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Metairie is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 95 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Metairie and Lehigh Acres?
Median rent in Metairie is $1,159/month and in Lehigh Acres it's $1,496/month — a difference of $337/month.
Which city has higher income, Metairie or Lehigh Acres?
Median household income is $73,256 in Metairie and $62,330 in Lehigh Acres. Median household income is $10,926/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 Lehigh Acres?
It depends on your priorities. Metairie has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,159/mo, while Lehigh Acres has a cost index of 95 with rent of $1,496/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Metairie details → View Lehigh Acres details →

More Comparisons

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