Cost of Living: Metairie, LA vs Wilmington, NC (2026)

Metairie

Louisiana
88
VS

Wilmington

North Carolina
100

Metairie is 12% cheaper than Wilmington.

$1,159/mo ↓ 12%
Median Rent
$1,311/mo ↑ 13%
$73,256/yr ↑ 15%
Median Income
$63,900/yr ↓ 13%
$308,900 ↓ 12%
Home Value
$350,300 ↑ 13%
$1,186/mo ↓ 13%
Owner Costs
$1,371/mo ↑ 16%
138,995
Population
118,578

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
4.5%
4.45%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
0.55%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

19.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Metairie, LA and Wilmington, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $152/month cheaper in Metairie, saving renters about $1,824/year.

Median household income is $9,356/year higher in Metairie. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Metairie is $308,900 compared to $350,300 in Wilmington.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Metairie vs Wilmington — common questions

Is Metairie or Wilmington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Metairie is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Metairie and Wilmington?
Median rent in Metairie is $1,159/month and in Wilmington it's $1,311/month — a difference of $152/month.
Which city has higher income, Metairie or Wilmington?
Median household income is $73,256 in Metairie and $63,900 in Wilmington. Median household income is $9,356/year higher in Metairie.
How do taxes compare between Louisiana and North Carolina?
Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Metairie or Wilmington?
It depends on your priorities. Metairie has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,159/mo, while Wilmington has a cost index of 100 with rent of $1,311/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Metairie details → View Wilmington details →

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