Cost of Living: New Orleans, LA vs Metairie, LA (2026)

New Orleans

Louisiana
90
VS

Metairie

Louisiana
88

New Orleans and Metairie have a similar cost of living.

$1,211/mo ↑ 4%
Median Rent
$1,159/mo ↓ 4%
$55,339/yr ↓ 24%
Median Income
$73,256/yr ↑ 32%
$296,400 ↓ 4%
Home Value
$308,900 ↑ 4%
$1,274/mo ↑ 7%
Owner Costs
$1,186/mo ↓ 7%
376,035
Population
138,995

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
4.25%
4.45%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
0.55%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

26.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing New Orleans, LA and Metairie, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 90 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $52/month cheaper in Metairie, saving renters about $624/year.

Median household income is $17,917/year higher in Metairie. Home values also differ significantly — the median in New Orleans is $296,400 compared to $308,900 in Metairie.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in Louisiana.

Frequently Asked Questions

New Orleans vs Metairie — common questions

Is New Orleans or Metairie cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Metairie is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 90 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between New Orleans and Metairie?
Median rent in New Orleans is $1,211/month and in Metairie it's $1,159/month — a difference of $52/month.
Which city has higher income, New Orleans or Metairie?
Median household income is $55,339 in New Orleans and $73,256 in Metairie. Median household income is $17,917/year higher in Metairie.
How do taxes compare between Louisiana and Louisiana?
Both cities are in Louisiana and share the same state tax rates: 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to New Orleans or Metairie?
It depends on your priorities. New Orleans has a cost index of 90 with median rent of $1,211/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 New Orleans details → View Metairie details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for New Orleans and Metairie

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