Cost of Living: Portland, OR vs Metairie, LA (2026)

Portland

Oregon
138
VS

Metairie

Louisiana
88

Portland is 57% more expensive than Metairie.

$1,596/mo ↑ 38%
Median Rent
$1,159/mo ↓ 27%
$88,792/yr ↑ 21%
Median Income
$73,256/yr ↓ 17%
$557,600 ↑ 81%
Home Value
$308,900 ↓ 45%
$1,771/mo ↑ 49%
Owner Costs
$1,186/mo ↓ 33%
642,715
Population
138,995

Tax Comparison

9.9%
Income Tax
4.25%
0%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
0.93%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

21.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Portland, OR and Metairie, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 138 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $437/month cheaper in Metairie, saving renters about $5,244/year.

Median household income is $15,536/year higher in Portland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Portland is $557,600 compared to $308,900 in Metairie.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Portland vs Metairie — common questions

Is Portland or Metairie cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Metairie is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Portland and Metairie?
Median rent in Portland is $1,596/month and in Metairie it's $1,159/month — a difference of $437/month.
Which city has higher income, Portland or Metairie?
Median household income is $88,792 in Portland and $73,256 in Metairie. Median household income is $15,536/year higher in Portland.
How do taxes compare between Oregon and Louisiana?
Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Portland or Metairie?
It depends on your priorities. Portland has a cost index of 138 with median rent of $1,596/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 Portland details → View Metairie details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Portland and Metairie

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