Cost of Living: Surprise, AZ vs Metairie, LA (2026)

Surprise

Arizona
126
VS

Metairie

Louisiana
88

Surprise is 43% more expensive than Metairie.

$1,917/mo ↑ 65%
Median Rent
$1,159/mo ↓ 40%
$93,371/yr ↑ 27%
Median Income
$73,256/yr ↓ 22%
$396,000 ↑ 28%
Home Value
$308,900 ↓ 22%
$1,587/mo ↑ 34%
Owner Costs
$1,186/mo ↓ 25%
149,519
Population
138,995

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
4.25%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

24.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Surprise, AZ and Metairie, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 126 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $758/month cheaper in Metairie, saving renters about $9,096/year.

Median household income is $20,115/year higher in Surprise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Surprise is $396,000 compared to $308,900 in Metairie.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Surprise slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Surprise vs Metairie — common questions

Is Surprise or Metairie cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Metairie is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Surprise and Metairie?
Median rent in Surprise is $1,917/month and in Metairie it's $1,159/month — a difference of $758/month.
Which city has higher income, Surprise or Metairie?
Median household income is $93,371 in Surprise and $73,256 in Metairie. Median household income is $20,115/year higher in Surprise.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Louisiana?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Surprise or Metairie?
It depends on your priorities. Surprise has a cost index of 126 with median rent of $1,917/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 Surprise details → View Metairie details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Surprise and Metairie

Surprise vs. Joliet Surprise vs. Naperville Surprise vs. Jackson Surprise vs. Pasadena Surprise vs. Escondido Surprise vs. Mesquite Metairie vs. Fullerton Metairie vs. Orange Metairie vs. Waco Metairie vs. Warren Metairie vs. Visalia Metairie vs. Columbia