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

Spokane

Washington
90
VS

Metairie

Louisiana
88

Spokane and Metairie have a similar cost of living.

$1,141/mo ↓ 2%
Median Rent
$1,159/mo ↑ 2%
$65,745/yr ↓ 10%
Median Income
$73,256/yr ↑ 11%
$326,200 ↑ 6%
Home Value
$308,900 ↓ 5%
$1,213/mo ↑ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,186/mo ↓ 2%
229,228
Population
138,995

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

20.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Spokane, WA and Metairie, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 90 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $7,511/year higher in Metairie. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Spokane is $326,200 compared to $308,900 in Metairie.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Spokane vs Metairie — common questions

Is Spokane or Metairie cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Metairie is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 90 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Spokane and Metairie?
Median rent in Spokane is $1,141/month and in Metairie it's $1,159/month — a difference of $18/month.
Which city has higher income, Spokane or Metairie?
Median household income is $65,745 in Spokane and $73,256 in Metairie. Median household income is $7,511/year higher in Metairie.
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 Spokane or Metairie?
It depends on your priorities. Spokane has a cost index of 90 with median rent of $1,141/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 Spokane details → View Metairie details →

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