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

Metairie

Louisiana
88
VS

Pearland

Texas
121

Metairie is 27% cheaper than Pearland.

$1,159/mo ↓ 34%
Median Rent
$1,759/mo ↑ 52%
$73,256/yr ↓ 35%
Median Income
$112,470/yr ↑ 54%
$308,900 ↓ 7%
Home Value
$330,900 ↑ 7%
$1,186/mo ↓ 40%
Owner Costs
$1,962/mo ↑ 65%
138,995
Population
125,983

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
18.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Metairie, LA and Pearland, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 121 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $600/month cheaper in Metairie, saving renters about $7,200/year.

Median household income is $39,214/year higher in Pearland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Metairie is $308,900 compared to $330,900 in Pearland.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Metairie vs Pearland — common questions

Is Metairie or Pearland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Metairie is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 121 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Metairie and Pearland?
Median rent in Metairie is $1,159/month and in Pearland it's $1,759/month — a difference of $600/month.
Which city has higher income, Metairie or Pearland?
Median household income is $73,256 in Metairie and $112,470 in Pearland. Median household income is $39,214/year higher in Pearland.
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 Pearland?
It depends on your priorities. Metairie has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,159/mo, while Pearland has a cost index of 121 with rent of $1,759/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Metairie details → View Pearland details →

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