Cost of Living: Metairie, LA vs Tuscaloosa, AL (2026)

Metairie

Louisiana
88
VS

Tuscaloosa

Alabama
73

Metairie is 21% more expensive than Tuscaloosa.

$1,159/mo ↑ 15%
Median Rent
$1,005/mo ↓ 13%
$73,256/yr ↑ 51%
Median Income
$48,536/yr ↓ 34%
$308,900 ↑ 31%
Home Value
$236,600 ↓ 23%
$1,186/mo ↑ 14%
Owner Costs
$1,038/mo ↓ 12%
138,995
Population
107,699

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
5.0%
4.45%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.55%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

19.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Metairie, LA and Tuscaloosa, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $154/month cheaper in Tuscaloosa, saving renters about $1,848/year.

Median household income is $24,720/year higher in Metairie. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Metairie is $308,900 compared to $236,600 in Tuscaloosa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Metairie vs Tuscaloosa — common questions

Is Metairie or Tuscaloosa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tuscaloosa is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 88 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Metairie and Tuscaloosa?
Median rent in Metairie is $1,159/month and in Tuscaloosa it's $1,005/month — a difference of $154/month.
Which city has higher income, Metairie or Tuscaloosa?
Median household income is $73,256 in Metairie and $48,536 in Tuscaloosa. Median household income is $24,720/year higher in Metairie.
How do taxes compare between Louisiana and Alabama?
Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Metairie or Tuscaloosa?
It depends on your priorities. Metairie has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,159/mo, while Tuscaloosa has a cost index of 73 with rent of $1,005/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Metairie details → View Tuscaloosa details →

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