Cost of Living: Metairie, LA vs Rochester, MN (2026)

Metairie

Louisiana
88
VS

Rochester

Minnesota
93

Metairie is 5% cheaper than Rochester.

$1,159/mo ↓ 12%
Median Rent
$1,316/mo ↑ 14%
$73,256/yr ↓ 17%
Median Income
$87,767/yr ↑ 20%
$308,900 ↑ 7%
Home Value
$287,500 ↓ 7%
$1,186/mo ↓ 11%
Owner Costs
$1,332/mo ↑ 12%
138,995
Population
121,638

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
9.85%
4.45%
State Sales Tax
6.875%
0.55%
Property Tax
1.11%

Affordability

19.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Metairie, LA and Rochester, MN, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 93 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $157/month cheaper in Metairie, saving renters about $1,884/year.

Median household income is $14,511/year higher in Rochester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Metairie is $308,900 compared to $287,500 in Rochester.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Metairie vs Rochester — common questions

Is Metairie or Rochester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Metairie is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 93 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Metairie and Rochester?
Median rent in Metairie is $1,159/month and in Rochester it's $1,316/month — a difference of $157/month.
Which city has higher income, Metairie or Rochester?
Median household income is $73,256 in Metairie and $87,767 in Rochester. Median household income is $14,511/year higher in Rochester.
How do taxes compare between Louisiana and Minnesota?
Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax. Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax.
Should I move to Metairie or Rochester?
It depends on your priorities. Metairie has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,159/mo, while Rochester has a cost index of 93 with rent of $1,316/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Metairie details → View Rochester details →

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