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

Metairie

Louisiana
88
VS

The Woodlands

Texas
139

Metairie is 37% cheaper than The Woodlands.

$1,159/mo ↓ 35%
Median Rent
$1,792/mo ↑ 55%
$73,256/yr ↓ 48%
Median Income
$141,353/yr ↑ 93%
$308,900 ↓ 36%
Home Value
$479,400 ↑ 55%
$1,186/mo ↓ 41%
Owner Costs
$2,005/mo ↑ 69%
138,995
Population
116,916

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
15.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Metairie, LA and The Woodlands, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 139 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $633/month cheaper in Metairie, saving renters about $7,596/year.

Median household income is $68,097/year higher in The Woodlands. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Metairie is $308,900 compared to $479,400 in The Woodlands.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Metairie vs The Woodlands — common questions

Is Metairie or The Woodlands cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Metairie is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 139 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Metairie and The Woodlands?
Median rent in Metairie is $1,159/month and in The Woodlands it's $1,792/month — a difference of $633/month.
Which city has higher income, Metairie or The Woodlands?
Median household income is $73,256 in Metairie and $141,353 in The Woodlands. Median household income is $68,097/year higher in The Woodlands.
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 The Woodlands?
It depends on your priorities. Metairie has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,159/mo, while The Woodlands has a cost index of 139 with rent of $1,792/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Metairie details → View The Woodlands details →

More Comparisons

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