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

Salem

Oregon
105
VS

Metairie

Louisiana
88

Salem is 19% more expensive than Metairie.

$1,323/mo ↑ 14%
Median Rent
$1,159/mo ↓ 12%
$71,900/yr ↓ 2%
Median Income
$73,256/yr ↑ 2%
$382,400 ↑ 24%
Home Value
$308,900 ↓ 19%
$1,440/mo ↑ 21%
Owner Costs
$1,186/mo ↓ 18%
176,666
Population
138,995

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Salem, OR and Metairie, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $164/month cheaper in Metairie, saving renters about $1,968/year.

Median household income is $1,356/year higher in Metairie. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Salem is $382,400 compared to $308,900 in Metairie.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Salem vs Metairie — common questions

Is Salem or Metairie cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Metairie is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Salem and Metairie?
Median rent in Salem is $1,323/month and in Metairie it's $1,159/month — a difference of $164/month.
Which city has higher income, Salem or Metairie?
Median household income is $71,900 in Salem and $73,256 in Metairie. Median household income is $1,356/year higher in Metairie.
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 Salem or Metairie?
It depends on your priorities. Salem has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,323/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 Salem details → View Metairie details →

More Comparisons

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