Cost of Living: Raleigh, NC vs Metairie, LA (2026)

Raleigh

North Carolina
110
VS

Metairie

Louisiana
88

Raleigh is 25% more expensive than Metairie.

$1,468/mo ↑ 27%
Median Rent
$1,159/mo ↓ 21%
$82,424/yr ↑ 13%
Median Income
$73,256/yr ↓ 11%
$377,800 ↑ 22%
Home Value
$308,900 ↓ 18%
$1,487/mo ↑ 25%
Owner Costs
$1,186/mo ↓ 20%
470,763
Population
138,995

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
4.25%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Raleigh, NC and Metairie, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $309/month cheaper in Metairie, saving renters about $3,708/year.

Median household income is $9,168/year higher in Raleigh. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Raleigh is $377,800 compared to $308,900 in Metairie.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Raleigh vs Metairie — common questions

Is Raleigh or Metairie cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Metairie is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 110 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Raleigh and Metairie?
Median rent in Raleigh is $1,468/month and in Metairie it's $1,159/month — a difference of $309/month.
Which city has higher income, Raleigh or Metairie?
Median household income is $82,424 in Raleigh and $73,256 in Metairie. Median household income is $9,168/year higher in Raleigh.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Louisiana?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Raleigh or Metairie?
It depends on your priorities. Raleigh has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,468/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 Raleigh details → View Metairie details →

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