Cost of Living: Metairie, LA vs West Valley City, UT (2026)

Metairie

Louisiana

West Valley City

Utah

109

Metairie is 21% cheaper than West Valley City.

$1,159/mo ↓ 20%

Median Rent

$1,445/mo ↑ 25%

$73,256/yr ↓ 17%

Median Income

$88,604/yr ↑ 21%

$308,900 ↓ 18%

Home Value

$377,300 ↑ 22%

$1,186/mo ↓ 19%

Owner Costs

$1,473/mo ↑ 24%

138,995

Population

137,955

Tax Comparison

4.25%

Income Tax

4.65%

4.45%

Sales Tax

6.1%

0.55%

Property Tax

0.58%

Affordability

19.0%

rent-to-income

Affordability

19.6%

rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Metairie, LA and West Valley City, UT, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 109 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $286/month cheaper in Metairie, saving renters about $3,432/year.

Median household income is $15,348/year higher in West Valley City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Metairie is $308,900 compared to $377,300 in West Valley City.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Metairie vs West Valley City — common questions

Is Metairie or West Valley City cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Metairie is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 109 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Metairie and West Valley City?

Median rent in Metairie is $1,159/month and in West Valley City it's $1,445/month — a difference of $286/month.

Which city has higher income, Metairie or West Valley City?

Median household income is $73,256 in Metairie and $88,604 in West Valley City. Median household income is $15,348/year higher in West Valley City.

How do taxes compare between Louisiana and Utah?

Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax. Utah has 4.65% income tax, 6.1% sales tax, and 0.58% property tax.

Should I move to Metairie or West Valley City?

It depends on your priorities. Metairie has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,159/mo, while West Valley City has a cost index of 109 with rent of $1,445/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.