Cost of Living: Metairie, LA vs Waterbury, CT (2026)

Metairie

Louisiana
88
VS

Waterbury

Connecticut
76

Metairie is 16% more expensive than Waterbury.

$1,159/mo ↓ 2%
Median Rent
$1,180/mo ↑ 2%
$73,256/yr ↑ 42%
Median Income
$51,642/yr ↓ 30%
$308,900 ↑ 67%
Home Value
$185,400 ↓ 40%
$1,186/mo ↓ 7%
Owner Costs
$1,273/mo ↑ 7%
138,995
Population
114,356

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
6.99%
4.45%
State Sales Tax
6.35%
0.55%
Property Tax
2.15%

Affordability

19.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Metairie, LA and Waterbury, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $21,614/year higher in Metairie. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Metairie is $308,900 compared to $185,400 in Waterbury.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Metairie vs Waterbury — common questions

Is Metairie or Waterbury cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Waterbury is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 88 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Metairie and Waterbury?
Median rent in Metairie is $1,159/month and in Waterbury it's $1,180/month — a difference of $21/month.
Which city has higher income, Metairie or Waterbury?
Median household income is $73,256 in Metairie and $51,642 in Waterbury. Median household income is $21,614/year higher in Metairie.
How do taxes compare between Louisiana and Connecticut?
Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax. Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax.
Should I move to Metairie or Waterbury?
It depends on your priorities. Metairie has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,159/mo, while Waterbury has a cost index of 76 with rent of $1,180/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Metairie details → View Waterbury details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Metairie and Waterbury

Metairie vs. Fullerton Metairie vs. Orange Metairie vs. Waco Metairie vs. Warren Metairie vs. Visalia Metairie vs. Columbia Waterbury vs. Carlsbad Waterbury vs. Provo Waterbury vs. East Los Angeles Waterbury vs. Elgin Waterbury vs. Lowell Waterbury vs. Odessa