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

Tacoma

Washington
126
VS

Metairie

Louisiana
88

Tacoma is 43% more expensive than Metairie.

$1,597/mo ↑ 38%
Median Rent
$1,159/mo ↓ 27%
$83,857/yr ↑ 14%
Median Income
$73,256/yr ↓ 13%
$454,600 ↑ 47%
Home Value
$308,900 ↓ 32%
$1,747/mo ↑ 47%
Owner Costs
$1,186/mo ↓ 32%
220,482
Population
138,995

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tacoma, WA and Metairie, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 126 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $438/month cheaper in Metairie, saving renters about $5,256/year.

Median household income is $10,601/year higher in Tacoma. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tacoma is $454,600 compared to $308,900 in Metairie.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tacoma vs Metairie — common questions

Is Tacoma 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 Tacoma and Metairie?
Median rent in Tacoma is $1,597/month and in Metairie it's $1,159/month — a difference of $438/month.
Which city has higher income, Tacoma or Metairie?
Median household income is $83,857 in Tacoma and $73,256 in Metairie. Median household income is $10,601/year higher in Tacoma.
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 Tacoma or Metairie?
It depends on your priorities. Tacoma has a cost index of 126 with median rent of $1,597/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 Tacoma details → View Metairie details →

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