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

Metairie

Louisiana
88
VS

West Valley

Utah
109

Metairie is 21% cheaper than West Valley.

$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, 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. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Metairie is $308,900 compared to $377,300 in West Valley.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Metairie vs West Valley — common questions

Is Metairie or West Valley 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?
Median rent in Metairie is $1,159/month and in West Valley it's $1,445/month — a difference of $286/month.
Which city has higher income, Metairie or West Valley?
Median household income is $73,256 in Metairie and $88,604 in West Valley. Median household income is $15,348/year higher in West Valley.
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?
It depends on your priorities. Metairie has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,159/mo, while West Valley has a cost index of 109 with rent of $1,445/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Metairie details → View West Valley details →