Cost of Living: Richmond, VA vs Metairie, LA (2026)

Richmond

Virginia
98
VS

Metairie

Louisiana
88

Richmond is 11% more expensive than Metairie.

$1,314/mo ↑ 13%
Median Rent
$1,159/mo ↓ 12%
$62,671/yr ↓ 14%
Median Income
$73,256/yr ↑ 17%
$328,100 ↑ 6%
Home Value
$308,900 ↓ 6%
$1,374/mo ↑ 16%
Owner Costs
$1,186/mo ↓ 14%
227,595
Population
138,995

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
4.25%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

25.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Richmond, VA and Metairie, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 98 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $155/month cheaper in Metairie, saving renters about $1,860/year.

Median household income is $10,585/year higher in Metairie. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Richmond is $328,100 compared to $308,900 in Metairie.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Richmond vs Metairie — common questions

Is Richmond or Metairie cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Metairie is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 98 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Richmond and Metairie?
Median rent in Richmond is $1,314/month and in Metairie it's $1,159/month — a difference of $155/month.
Which city has higher income, Richmond or Metairie?
Median household income is $62,671 in Richmond and $73,256 in Metairie. Median household income is $10,585/year higher in Metairie.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Louisiana?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% 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 Richmond or Metairie?
It depends on your priorities. Richmond has a cost index of 98 with median rent of $1,314/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 Richmond details → View Metairie details →

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