Cost of Living: Metairie, LA vs Palm Bay, FL (2026)

Metairie

Louisiana
88
VS

Palm Bay

Florida
91

Metairie is 3% cheaper than Palm Bay.

$1,159/mo ↓ 22%
Median Rent
$1,487/mo ↑ 28%
$73,256/yr ↑ 8%
Median Income
$67,521/yr ↓ 8%
$308,900 ↑ 25%
Home Value
$248,000 ↓ 20%
$1,186/mo ↓ 1%
Owner Costs
$1,203/mo ↑ 1%
138,995
Population
125,273

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
26.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Metairie, LA and Palm Bay, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $328/month cheaper in Metairie, saving renters about $3,936/year.

Median household income is $5,735/year higher in Metairie. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Metairie is $308,900 compared to $248,000 in Palm Bay.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Metairie vs Palm Bay — common questions

Is Metairie or Palm Bay 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 Palm Bay?
Median rent in Metairie is $1,159/month and in Palm Bay it's $1,487/month — a difference of $328/month.
Which city has higher income, Metairie or Palm Bay?
Median household income is $73,256 in Metairie and $67,521 in Palm Bay. Median household income is $5,735/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 Palm Bay?
It depends on your priorities. Metairie has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,159/mo, while Palm Bay has a cost index of 91 with rent of $1,487/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Metairie details → View Palm Bay details →

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