Cost of Living: Salt Lake City, UT vs Metairie, LA (2026)

Salt Lake City

Utah
117
VS

Metairie

Louisiana
88

Salt Lake City is 33% more expensive than Metairie.

$1,343/mo ↑ 16%
Median Rent
$1,159/mo ↓ 14%
$74,925/yr ↑ 2%
Median Income
$73,256/yr ↓ 2%
$495,700 ↑ 60%
Home Value
$308,900 ↓ 38%
$1,394/mo ↑ 18%
Owner Costs
$1,186/mo ↓ 15%
203,888
Population
138,995

Tax Comparison

4.65%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.1%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
0.58%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Salt Lake City, UT and Metairie, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 117 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $184/month cheaper in Metairie, saving renters about $2,208/year.

Median household income is $1,669/year higher in Salt Lake City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Salt Lake City is $495,700 compared to $308,900 in Metairie.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Salt Lake City vs Metairie — common questions

Is Salt Lake City or Metairie cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Metairie is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 117 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Salt Lake City and Metairie?
Median rent in Salt Lake City is $1,343/month and in Metairie it's $1,159/month — a difference of $184/month.
Which city has higher income, Salt Lake City or Metairie?
Median household income is $74,925 in Salt Lake City and $73,256 in Metairie. Median household income is $1,669/year higher in Salt Lake City.
How do taxes compare between Utah and Louisiana?
Utah has 4.65% income tax, 6.1% sales tax, and 0.58% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Salt Lake City or Metairie?
It depends on your priorities. Salt Lake City has a cost index of 117 with median rent of $1,343/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 Salt Lake City details → View Metairie details →

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