Cost of Living: Metairie, LA vs West Palm Beach, FL (2026)

Metairie

Louisiana
88
VS

West Palm Beach

Florida
119

Metairie is 26% cheaper than West Palm Beach.

$1,159/mo ↓ 32%
Median Rent
$1,709/mo ↑ 47%
$73,256/yr ↑ 6%
Median Income
$69,261/yr ↓ 5%
$308,900 ↓ 16%
Home Value
$369,800 ↑ 20%
$1,186/mo ↓ 29%
Owner Costs
$1,667/mo ↑ 41%
138,995
Population
119,508

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
0%
4.45%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.55%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

19.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
29.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Metairie, LA and West Palm Beach, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $550/month cheaper in Metairie, saving renters about $6,600/year.

Median household income is $3,995/year higher in Metairie. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Metairie is $308,900 compared to $369,800 in West Palm Beach.

Florida has no state income tax, giving West Palm Beach residents a significant tax advantage over Louisiana's 4.25% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Metairie vs West Palm Beach — common questions

Is Metairie or West Palm Beach cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Metairie is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 119 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Metairie and West Palm Beach?
Median rent in Metairie is $1,159/month and in West Palm Beach it's $1,709/month — a difference of $550/month.
Which city has higher income, Metairie or West Palm Beach?
Median household income is $73,256 in Metairie and $69,261 in West Palm Beach. Median household income is $3,995/year higher in Metairie.
How do taxes compare between Louisiana and Florida?
Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Metairie or West Palm Beach?
It depends on your priorities. Metairie has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,159/mo, while West Palm Beach has a cost index of 119 with rent of $1,709/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Metairie details → View West Palm Beach details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Metairie and West Palm Beach

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