Cost of Living: Seattle, WA vs Metairie, LA (2026)

Seattle

Washington
196
VS

Metairie

Louisiana
88

Seattle is 123% more expensive than Metairie.

$1,998/mo ↑ 72%
Median Rent
$1,159/mo ↓ 42%
$121,984/yr ↑ 67%
Median Income
$73,256/yr ↓ 40%
$912,100 ↑ 195%
Home Value
$308,900 ↓ 66%
$2,220/mo ↑ 87%
Owner Costs
$1,186/mo ↓ 47%
741,440
Population
138,995

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

19.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Seattle, WA and Metairie, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 196 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $839/month cheaper in Metairie, saving renters about $10,068/year.

Median household income is $48,728/year higher in Seattle. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Seattle is $912,100 compared to $308,900 in Metairie.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Seattle residents a significant tax advantage over Louisiana's 4.25% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Seattle vs Metairie — common questions

Is Seattle or Metairie cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Metairie is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 196 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Seattle and Metairie?
Median rent in Seattle is $1,998/month and in Metairie it's $1,159/month — a difference of $839/month.
Which city has higher income, Seattle or Metairie?
Median household income is $121,984 in Seattle and $73,256 in Metairie. Median household income is $48,728/year higher in Seattle.
How do taxes compare between Washington and Louisiana?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Seattle or Metairie?
It depends on your priorities. Seattle has a cost index of 196 with median rent of $1,998/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 Seattle details → View Metairie details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Seattle and Metairie

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