Cost of Living: Naperville, IL vs Metairie, LA (2026)

Naperville

Illinois
147
VS

Metairie

Louisiana
88

Naperville is 67% more expensive than Metairie.

$1,852/mo ↑ 60%
Median Rent
$1,159/mo ↓ 37%
$150,937/yr ↑ 106%
Median Income
$73,256/yr ↓ 51%
$509,900 ↑ 65%
Home Value
$308,900 ↓ 39%
$2,161/mo ↑ 82%
Owner Costs
$1,186/mo ↓ 45%
149,424
Population
138,995

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
2.07%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

14.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Naperville, IL and Metairie, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 147 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $693/month cheaper in Metairie, saving renters about $8,316/year.

Median household income is $77,681/year higher in Naperville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Naperville is $509,900 compared to $308,900 in Metairie.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Naperville vs Metairie — common questions

Is Naperville or Metairie cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Metairie is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Naperville and Metairie?
Median rent in Naperville is $1,852/month and in Metairie it's $1,159/month — a difference of $693/month.
Which city has higher income, Naperville or Metairie?
Median household income is $150,937 in Naperville and $73,256 in Metairie. Median household income is $77,681/year higher in Naperville.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Louisiana?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Naperville or Metairie?
It depends on your priorities. Naperville has a cost index of 147 with median rent of $1,852/mo, while Metairie has a cost index of 88 with rent of $1,159/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Naperville details → View Metairie details →

More Comparisons

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