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

Metairie

Louisiana
88
VS

Sugar Land

Texas
135

Metairie is 35% cheaper than Sugar Land.

$1,159/mo ↓ 40%
Median Rent
$1,939/mo ↑ 67%
$73,256/yr ↓ 47%
Median Income
$137,511/yr ↑ 88%
$308,900 ↓ 24%
Home Value
$406,600 ↑ 32%
$1,186/mo ↓ 40%
Owner Costs
$1,969/mo ↑ 66%
138,995
Population
109,735

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
16.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Metairie, LA and Sugar Land, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 135 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $780/month cheaper in Metairie, saving renters about $9,360/year.

Median household income is $64,255/year higher in Sugar Land. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Metairie is $308,900 compared to $406,600 in Sugar Land.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Metairie vs Sugar Land — common questions

Is Metairie or Sugar Land cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Metairie is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 135 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Metairie and Sugar Land?
Median rent in Metairie is $1,159/month and in Sugar Land it's $1,939/month — a difference of $780/month.
Which city has higher income, Metairie or Sugar Land?
Median household income is $73,256 in Metairie and $137,511 in Sugar Land. Median household income is $64,255/year higher in Sugar Land.
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 Sugar Land?
It depends on your priorities. Metairie has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,159/mo, while Sugar Land has a cost index of 135 with rent of $1,939/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Metairie details → View Sugar Land details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Metairie and Sugar Land

Metairie vs. Fullerton Metairie vs. Orange Metairie vs. Waco Metairie vs. Warren Metairie vs. Visalia Metairie vs. Columbia Sugar Land vs. Santa Maria Sugar Land vs. Greeley Sugar Land vs. Ventura Sugar Land vs. South Fulton Sugar Land vs. Temecula Sugar Land vs. Sparks