Cost of Living: Metairie, LA vs Springfield, IL (2026)

Metairie

Louisiana
88
VS

Springfield

Illinois
61

Metairie is 44% more expensive than Springfield.

$1,159/mo ↑ 23%
Median Rent
$945/mo ↓ 18%
$73,256/yr ↑ 12%
Median Income
$65,537/yr ↓ 11%
$308,900 ↑ 99%
Home Value
$155,200 ↓ 50%
$1,186/mo ↑ 22%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↓ 18%
138,995
Population
113,714

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
4.95%
4.45%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.55%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

19.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Metairie, LA and Springfield, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $214/month cheaper in Springfield, saving renters about $2,568/year.

Median household income is $7,719/year higher in Metairie. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Metairie is $308,900 compared to $155,200 in Springfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Metairie vs Springfield — common questions

Is Metairie or Springfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Springfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 88 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Metairie and Springfield?
Median rent in Metairie is $1,159/month and in Springfield it's $945/month — a difference of $214/month.
Which city has higher income, Metairie or Springfield?
Median household income is $73,256 in Metairie and $65,537 in Springfield. Median household income is $7,719/year higher in Metairie.
How do taxes compare between Louisiana and Illinois?
Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Metairie or Springfield?
It depends on your priorities. Metairie has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,159/mo, while Springfield has a cost index of 61 with rent of $945/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Metairie details → View Springfield details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Metairie and Springfield

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