Cost of Living: Pasadena, TX vs Metairie, LA (2026)

Pasadena

Texas
76
VS

Metairie

Louisiana
88

Pasadena is 14% cheaper than Metairie.

$1,201/mo ↑ 4%
Median Rent
$1,159/mo ↓ 3%
$64,270/yr ↓ 12%
Median Income
$73,256/yr ↑ 14%
$193,600 ↓ 37%
Home Value
$308,900 ↑ 60%
$1,141/mo ↓ 4%
Owner Costs
$1,186/mo ↑ 4%
149,345
Population
138,995

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

22.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Pasadena, TX and Metairie, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 76 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $8,986/year higher in Metairie. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Pasadena is $193,600 compared to $308,900 in Metairie.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Pasadena residents a significant tax advantage over Louisiana's 4.25% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Pasadena vs Metairie — common questions

Is Pasadena or Metairie cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Pasadena is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 88 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Pasadena and Metairie?
Median rent in Pasadena is $1,201/month and in Metairie it's $1,159/month — a difference of $42/month.
Which city has higher income, Pasadena or Metairie?
Median household income is $64,270 in Pasadena and $73,256 in Metairie. Median household income is $8,986/year higher in Metairie.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Louisiana?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Pasadena or Metairie?
It depends on your priorities. Pasadena has a cost index of 76 with median rent of $1,201/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 Pasadena details → View Metairie details →

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