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

Plano

Texas
132
VS

Metairie

Louisiana
88

Plano is 50% more expensive than Metairie.

$1,792/mo ↑ 55%
Median Rent
$1,159/mo ↓ 35%
$108,649/yr ↑ 48%
Median Income
$73,256/yr ↓ 33%
$440,600 ↑ 43%
Home Value
$308,900 ↓ 30%
$1,829/mo ↑ 54%
Owner Costs
$1,186/mo ↓ 35%
287,339
Population
138,995

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Plano, TX and Metairie, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $633/month cheaper in Metairie, saving renters about $7,596/year.

Median household income is $35,393/year higher in Plano. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Plano is $440,600 compared to $308,900 in Metairie.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Plano vs Metairie — common questions

Is Plano or Metairie cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Metairie is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 132 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Plano and Metairie?
Median rent in Plano is $1,792/month and in Metairie it's $1,159/month — a difference of $633/month.
Which city has higher income, Plano or Metairie?
Median household income is $108,649 in Plano and $73,256 in Metairie. Median household income is $35,393/year higher in Plano.
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 Plano or Metairie?
It depends on your priorities. Plano has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,792/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 Plano details → View Metairie details →

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