Cost of Living: Metairie, LA vs Manchester, NH (2026)

Metairie

Louisiana
88
VS

Manchester

New Hampshire
106

Metairie is 17% cheaper than Manchester.

$1,159/mo ↓ 21%
Median Rent
$1,465/mo ↑ 26%
$73,256/yr ↓ 5%
Median Income
$77,415/yr ↑ 6%
$308,900 ↓ 8%
Home Value
$336,300 ↑ 9%
$1,186/mo ↓ 23%
Owner Costs
$1,548/mo ↑ 31%
138,995
Population
115,415

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
0%
4.45%
State Sales Tax
0%
0.55%
Property Tax
1.86%

Affordability

19.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Metairie, LA and Manchester, NH, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 106 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $306/month cheaper in Metairie, saving renters about $3,672/year.

Median household income is $4,159/year higher in Manchester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Metairie is $308,900 compared to $336,300 in Manchester.

New Hampshire has no state income tax, giving Manchester residents a significant tax advantage over Louisiana's 4.25% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Metairie vs Manchester — common questions

Is Metairie or Manchester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Metairie is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 106 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Metairie and Manchester?
Median rent in Metairie is $1,159/month and in Manchester it's $1,465/month — a difference of $306/month.
Which city has higher income, Metairie or Manchester?
Median household income is $73,256 in Metairie and $77,415 in Manchester. Median household income is $4,159/year higher in Manchester.
How do taxes compare between Louisiana and New Hampshire?
Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax. New Hampshire has 0% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 1.86% property tax.
Should I move to Metairie or Manchester?
It depends on your priorities. Metairie has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,159/mo, while Manchester has a cost index of 106 with rent of $1,465/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Metairie details → View Manchester details →

More Comparisons

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