Cost of Living: Metairie, LA vs Meridian, ID (2026)

Metairie

Louisiana
88
VS

Meridian

Idaho
131

Metairie is 33% cheaper than Meridian.

$1,159/mo ↓ 32%
Median Rent
$1,714/mo ↑ 48%
$73,256/yr ↓ 26%
Median Income
$98,686/yr ↑ 35%
$308,900 ↓ 36%
Home Value
$485,000 ↑ 57%
$1,186/mo ↓ 26%
Owner Costs
$1,607/mo ↑ 35%
138,995
Population
124,865

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
5.8%
4.45%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.55%
Property Tax
0.63%

Affordability

19.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Metairie, LA and Meridian, ID, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 131 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $555/month cheaper in Metairie, saving renters about $6,660/year.

Median household income is $25,430/year higher in Meridian. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Metairie is $308,900 compared to $485,000 in Meridian.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Metairie vs Meridian — common questions

Is Metairie or Meridian cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Metairie is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 131 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Metairie and Meridian?
Median rent in Metairie is $1,159/month and in Meridian it's $1,714/month — a difference of $555/month.
Which city has higher income, Metairie or Meridian?
Median household income is $73,256 in Metairie and $98,686 in Meridian. Median household income is $25,430/year higher in Meridian.
How do taxes compare between Louisiana and Idaho?
Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax. Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax.
Should I move to Metairie or Meridian?
It depends on your priorities. Metairie has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,159/mo, while Meridian has a cost index of 131 with rent of $1,714/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Metairie details → View Meridian details →

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