Cost of Living: Metairie, LA vs Provo, UT (2026)

Metairie

Louisiana
88
VS

Provo

Utah
102

Metairie is 14% cheaper than Provo.

$1,159/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,152/mo ≈ Same
$73,256/yr ↑ 17%
Median Income
$62,800/yr ↓ 14%
$308,900 ↓ 29%
Home Value
$437,100 ↑ 42%
$1,186/mo ↓ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,220/mo ↑ 3%
138,995
Population
114,303

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
4.65%
4.45%
State Sales Tax
6.1%
0.55%
Property Tax
0.58%

Affordability

19.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Metairie, LA and Provo, UT, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 102 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $10,456/year higher in Metairie. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Metairie is $308,900 compared to $437,100 in Provo.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Metairie vs Provo — common questions

Is Metairie or Provo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Metairie is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 102 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Metairie and Provo?
Median rent in Metairie is $1,159/month and in Provo it's $1,152/month — a difference of $7/month.
Which city has higher income, Metairie or Provo?
Median household income is $73,256 in Metairie and $62,800 in Provo. Median household income is $10,456/year higher in Metairie.
How do taxes compare between Louisiana and Utah?
Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax. Utah has 4.65% income tax, 6.1% sales tax, and 0.58% property tax.
Should I move to Metairie or Provo?
It depends on your priorities. Metairie has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,159/mo, while Provo has a cost index of 102 with rent of $1,152/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Metairie details → View Provo details →

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