Cost of Living: Norfolk, VA vs Metairie, LA (2026)

Norfolk

Virginia
89
VS

Metairie

Louisiana
88

Norfolk and Metairie have a similar cost of living.

$1,246/mo ↑ 8%
Median Rent
$1,159/mo ↓ 7%
$64,017/yr ↓ 13%
Median Income
$73,256/yr ↑ 14%
$271,900 ↓ 12%
Home Value
$308,900 ↑ 14%
$1,366/mo ↑ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,186/mo ↓ 13%
235,037
Population
138,995

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
4.25%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

23.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Norfolk, VA and Metairie, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 89 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $87/month cheaper in Metairie, saving renters about $1,044/year.

Median household income is $9,239/year higher in Metairie. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Norfolk is $271,900 compared to $308,900 in Metairie.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Norfolk vs Metairie — common questions

Is Norfolk or Metairie cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Metairie is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 89 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Norfolk and Metairie?
Median rent in Norfolk is $1,246/month and in Metairie it's $1,159/month — a difference of $87/month.
Which city has higher income, Norfolk or Metairie?
Median household income is $64,017 in Norfolk and $73,256 in Metairie. Median household income is $9,239/year higher in Metairie.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Louisiana?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Norfolk or Metairie?
It depends on your priorities. Norfolk has a cost index of 89 with median rent of $1,246/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 Norfolk details → View Metairie details →

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