Cost of Living: Metairie, LA vs North Charleston, SC (2026)

Metairie

Louisiana
88
VS

North Charleston

South Carolina
91

Metairie is 3% cheaper than North Charleston.

$1,159/mo ↓ 15%
Median Rent
$1,364/mo ↑ 18%
$73,256/yr ↑ 17%
Median Income
$62,789/yr ↓ 14%
$308,900 ↑ 15%
Home Value
$267,700 ↓ 13%
$1,186/mo ↓ 10%
Owner Costs
$1,312/mo ↑ 11%
138,995
Population
117,460

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
6.4%
4.45%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.55%
Property Tax
0.57%

Affordability

19.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Metairie, LA and North Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $205/month cheaper in Metairie, saving renters about $2,460/year.

Median household income is $10,467/year higher in Metairie. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Metairie is $308,900 compared to $267,700 in North Charleston.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Metairie vs North Charleston — common questions

Is Metairie or North Charleston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Metairie is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 91 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Metairie and North Charleston?
Median rent in Metairie is $1,159/month and in North Charleston it's $1,364/month — a difference of $205/month.
Which city has higher income, Metairie or North Charleston?
Median household income is $73,256 in Metairie and $62,789 in North Charleston. Median household income is $10,467/year higher in Metairie.
How do taxes compare between Louisiana and South Carolina?
Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax. South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax.
Should I move to Metairie or North Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Metairie has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,159/mo, while North Charleston has a cost index of 91 with rent of $1,364/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Metairie details → View North Charleston details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Metairie and North Charleston

Metairie vs. Fullerton Metairie vs. Orange Metairie vs. Waco Metairie vs. Warren Metairie vs. Visalia Metairie vs. Columbia North Charleston vs. Cambridge North Charleston vs. Clearwater North Charleston vs. Richardson North Charleston vs. Lakeland North Charleston vs. Billings North Charleston vs. The Woodlands