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

Metairie

Louisiana
88
VS

Richardson

Texas
128

Metairie is 31% cheaper than Richardson.

$1,159/mo ↓ 36%
Median Rent
$1,825/mo ↑ 57%
$73,256/yr ↓ 24%
Median Income
$96,257/yr ↑ 31%
$308,900 ↓ 24%
Home Value
$405,600 ↑ 31%
$1,186/mo ↓ 34%
Owner Costs
$1,796/mo ↑ 51%
138,995
Population
118,269

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
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Metairie, LA and Richardson, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $666/month cheaper in Metairie, saving renters about $7,992/year.

Median household income is $23,001/year higher in Richardson. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Metairie is $308,900 compared to $405,600 in Richardson.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Metairie vs Richardson — common questions

Is Metairie or Richardson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Metairie is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Metairie and Richardson?
Median rent in Metairie is $1,159/month and in Richardson it's $1,825/month — a difference of $666/month.
Which city has higher income, Metairie or Richardson?
Median household income is $73,256 in Metairie and $96,257 in Richardson. Median household income is $23,001/year higher in Richardson.
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 Richardson?
It depends on your priorities. Metairie has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,159/mo, while Richardson has a cost index of 128 with rent of $1,825/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Metairie details → View Richardson details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Metairie and Richardson

Metairie vs. Fullerton Metairie vs. Orange Metairie vs. Waco Metairie vs. Warren Metairie vs. Visalia Metairie vs. Columbia Richardson vs. Billings Richardson vs. Cambridge Richardson vs. Wilmington Richardson vs. North Charleston Richardson vs. Spring Hill Richardson vs. Clearwater