Cost of Living: Metairie, LA vs Lowell, MA (2026)

Metairie

Louisiana
88
VS

Lowell

Massachusetts
119

Metairie is 26% cheaper than Lowell.

$1,159/mo ↓ 28%
Median Rent
$1,603/mo ↑ 38%
$73,256/yr ↓ 4%
Median Income
$76,205/yr ↑ 4%
$308,900 ↓ 22%
Home Value
$395,100 ↑ 28%
$1,186/mo ↓ 29%
Owner Costs
$1,672/mo ↑ 41%
138,995
Population
114,799

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
9.0%
4.45%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.55%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

19.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Metairie, LA and Lowell, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $444/month cheaper in Metairie, saving renters about $5,328/year.

Median household income is $2,949/year higher in Lowell. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Metairie is $308,900 compared to $395,100 in Lowell.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Metairie vs Lowell — common questions

Is Metairie or Lowell cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Metairie is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 119 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Metairie and Lowell?
Median rent in Metairie is $1,159/month and in Lowell it's $1,603/month — a difference of $444/month.
Which city has higher income, Metairie or Lowell?
Median household income is $73,256 in Metairie and $76,205 in Lowell. Median household income is $2,949/year higher in Lowell.
How do taxes compare between Louisiana and Massachusetts?
Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Metairie or Lowell?
It depends on your priorities. Metairie has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,159/mo, while Lowell has a cost index of 119 with rent of $1,603/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Metairie details → View Lowell details →

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