Cost of Living: Metairie, LA vs Odessa, TX (2026)

Metairie

Louisiana
88
VS

Odessa

Texas
83

Metairie is 6% more expensive than Odessa.

$1,159/mo ↓ 12%
Median Rent
$1,322/mo ↑ 14%
$73,256/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$73,030/yr ≈ Same
$308,900 ↑ 49%
Home Value
$208,000 ↓ 33%
$1,186/mo ↓ 5%
Owner Costs
$1,251/mo ↑ 5%
138,995
Population
114,080

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
0%
4.45%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.55%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

19.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Metairie, LA and Odessa, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $163/month cheaper in Metairie, saving renters about $1,956/year.

Median household income is $226/year higher in Metairie. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Metairie is $308,900 compared to $208,000 in Odessa.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Odessa residents a significant tax advantage over Louisiana's 4.25% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Metairie vs Odessa — common questions

Is Metairie or Odessa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Odessa is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 88 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Metairie and Odessa?
Median rent in Metairie is $1,159/month and in Odessa it's $1,322/month — a difference of $163/month.
Which city has higher income, Metairie or Odessa?
Median household income is $73,256 in Metairie and $73,030 in Odessa. Median household income is $226/year higher in Metairie.
How do taxes compare between Louisiana and Texas?
Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Metairie or Odessa?
It depends on your priorities. Metairie has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,159/mo, while Odessa has a cost index of 83 with rent of $1,322/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Metairie details → View Odessa details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Metairie and Odessa

Metairie vs. Fullerton Metairie vs. Orange Metairie vs. Waco Metairie vs. Warren Metairie vs. Visalia Metairie vs. Columbia Odessa vs. Elgin Odessa vs. Springfield Odessa vs. Provo Odessa vs. Beaumont Odessa vs. Waterbury Odessa vs. Gresham