Cost of Living: Providence, RI vs Metairie, LA (2026)

Providence

Rhode Island
99
VS

Metairie

Louisiana
88

Providence is 12% more expensive than Metairie.

$1,333/mo ↑ 15%
Median Rent
$1,159/mo ↓ 13%
$66,772/yr ↓ 9%
Median Income
$73,256/yr ↑ 10%
$322,800 ↑ 4%
Home Value
$308,900 ↓ 4%
$1,467/mo ↑ 24%
Owner Costs
$1,186/mo ↓ 19%
190,214
Population
138,995

Tax Comparison

5.99%
Income Tax
4.25%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
1.53%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

24.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Providence, RI and Metairie, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 99 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $174/month cheaper in Metairie, saving renters about $2,088/year.

Median household income is $6,484/year higher in Metairie. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Providence is $322,800 compared to $308,900 in Metairie.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Providence vs Metairie — common questions

Is Providence or Metairie cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Metairie is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 99 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Providence and Metairie?
Median rent in Providence is $1,333/month and in Metairie it's $1,159/month — a difference of $174/month.
Which city has higher income, Providence or Metairie?
Median household income is $66,772 in Providence and $73,256 in Metairie. Median household income is $6,484/year higher in Metairie.
How do taxes compare between Rhode Island and Louisiana?
Rhode Island has 5.99% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Providence or Metairie?
It depends on your priorities. Providence has a cost index of 99 with median rent of $1,333/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 Providence details → View Metairie details →

More Comparisons

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