Cost of Living: Philadelphia, PA vs Metairie, LA (2026)

Philadelphia

Pennsylvania
85
VS

Metairie

Louisiana
88

Philadelphia is 3% cheaper than Metairie.

$1,323/mo ↑ 14%
Median Rent
$1,159/mo ↓ 12%
$60,698/yr ↓ 17%
Median Income
$73,256/yr ↑ 21%
$232,400 ↓ 25%
Home Value
$308,900 ↑ 33%
$1,233/mo ↑ 4%
Owner Costs
$1,186/mo ↓ 4%
1,582,432
Population
138,995

Tax Comparison

3.07%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
1.49%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

26.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Philadelphia, PA and Metairie, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 85 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $164/month cheaper in Metairie, saving renters about $1,968/year.

Median household income is $12,558/year higher in Metairie. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Philadelphia is $232,400 compared to $308,900 in Metairie.

Pennsylvania has a lower income tax rate, making Philadelphia slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Philadelphia vs Metairie — common questions

Is Philadelphia or Metairie cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Philadelphia is cheaper to live in with an index of 85 compared to 88 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Philadelphia and Metairie?
Median rent in Philadelphia is $1,323/month and in Metairie it's $1,159/month — a difference of $164/month.
Which city has higher income, Philadelphia or Metairie?
Median household income is $60,698 in Philadelphia and $73,256 in Metairie. Median household income is $12,558/year higher in Metairie.
How do taxes compare between Pennsylvania and Louisiana?
Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Philadelphia or Metairie?
It depends on your priorities. Philadelphia has a cost index of 85 with median rent of $1,323/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.
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