Cost of Living: Newark, NJ vs Metairie, LA (2026)

Newark

New Jersey
100
VS

Metairie

Louisiana
88

Newark is 14% more expensive than Metairie.

$1,330/mo ↑ 15%
Median Rent
$1,159/mo ↓ 13%
$48,416/yr ↓ 34%
Median Income
$73,256/yr ↑ 51%
$337,800 ↑ 9%
Home Value
$308,900 ↓ 9%
$1,419/mo ↑ 20%
Owner Costs
$1,186/mo ↓ 16%
307,188
Population
138,995

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
2.23%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

33.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Newark, NJ and Metairie, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $171/month cheaper in Metairie, saving renters about $2,052/year.

Median household income is $24,840/year higher in Metairie. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Newark is $337,800 compared to $308,900 in Metairie.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Newark vs Metairie — common questions

Is Newark or Metairie 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 Newark and Metairie?
Median rent in Newark is $1,330/month and in Metairie it's $1,159/month — a difference of $171/month.
Which city has higher income, Newark or Metairie?
Median household income is $48,416 in Newark and $73,256 in Metairie. Median household income is $24,840/year higher in Metairie.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and Louisiana?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Newark or Metairie?
It depends on your priorities. Newark has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,330/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 Newark details → View Metairie details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Newark and Metairie

Newark vs. St. Paul Newark vs. Pittsburgh Newark vs. Irvine Newark vs. Greensboro Newark vs. Cincinnati Newark vs. St. Louis Metairie vs. Fullerton Metairie vs. Orange Metairie vs. Waco Metairie vs. Warren Metairie vs. Visalia Metairie vs. Columbia