Cost of Living: Metairie, LA vs Miami Gardens, FL (2026)

Metairie

Louisiana
88
VS

Miami Gardens

Florida
115

Metairie is 23% cheaper than Miami Gardens.

$1,159/mo ↓ 32%
Median Rent
$1,709/mo ↑ 47%
$73,256/yr ↑ 20%
Median Income
$60,979/yr ↓ 17%
$308,900 ↓ 8%
Home Value
$337,200 ↑ 9%
$1,186/mo ↓ 28%
Owner Costs
$1,640/mo ↑ 38%
138,995
Population
111,264

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
33.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Metairie, LA and Miami Gardens, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 115 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $550/month cheaper in Metairie, saving renters about $6,600/year.

Median household income is $12,277/year higher in Metairie. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Metairie is $308,900 compared to $337,200 in Miami Gardens.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Metairie vs Miami Gardens — common questions

Is Metairie or Miami Gardens cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Metairie is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 115 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Metairie and Miami Gardens?
Median rent in Metairie is $1,159/month and in Miami Gardens it's $1,709/month — a difference of $550/month.
Which city has higher income, Metairie or Miami Gardens?
Median household income is $73,256 in Metairie and $60,979 in Miami Gardens. Median household income is $12,277/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 Miami Gardens?
It depends on your priorities. Metairie has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,159/mo, while Miami Gardens has a cost index of 115 with rent of $1,709/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Metairie details → View Miami Gardens details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Metairie and Miami Gardens

Metairie vs. Fullerton Metairie vs. Orange Metairie vs. Waco Metairie vs. Warren Metairie vs. Visalia Metairie vs. Columbia Miami Gardens vs. Pueblo Miami Gardens vs. Everett Miami Gardens vs. Murrieta Miami Gardens vs. Costa Mesa Miami Gardens vs. Downey Miami Gardens vs. Temecula