Cost of Living: Metairie, LA vs Sparks, NV (2026)

Metairie

Louisiana
88
VS

Sparks

Nevada
126

Metairie is 30% cheaper than Sparks.

$1,159/mo ↓ 30%
Median Rent
$1,651/mo ↑ 42%
$73,256/yr ↓ 16%
Median Income
$86,979/yr ↑ 19%
$308,900 ↓ 32%
Home Value
$455,900 ↑ 48%
$1,186/mo ↓ 26%
Owner Costs
$1,610/mo ↑ 36%
138,995
Population
109,106

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
0%
4.45%
State Sales Tax
6.85%
0.55%
Property Tax
0.53%

Affordability

19.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Metairie, LA and Sparks, NV, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $492/month cheaper in Metairie, saving renters about $5,904/year.

Median household income is $13,723/year higher in Sparks. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Metairie is $308,900 compared to $455,900 in Sparks.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Metairie vs Sparks — common questions

Is Metairie or Sparks cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Metairie is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Metairie and Sparks?
Median rent in Metairie is $1,159/month and in Sparks it's $1,651/month — a difference of $492/month.
Which city has higher income, Metairie or Sparks?
Median household income is $73,256 in Metairie and $86,979 in Sparks. Median household income is $13,723/year higher in Sparks.
How do taxes compare between Louisiana and Nevada?
Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax. Nevada has 0% income tax, 6.85% sales tax, and 0.53% property tax.
Should I move to Metairie or Sparks?
It depends on your priorities. Metairie has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,159/mo, while Sparks has a cost index of 126 with rent of $1,651/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Metairie details → View Sparks details →

More Comparisons

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