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

Tucson

Arizona
76
VS

Metairie

Louisiana
88

Tucson is 14% cheaper than Metairie.

$1,079/mo ↓ 7%
Median Rent
$1,159/mo ↑ 7%
$54,546/yr ↓ 26%
Median Income
$73,256/yr ↑ 34%
$242,200 ↓ 22%
Home Value
$308,900 ↑ 28%
$1,076/mo ↓ 9%
Owner Costs
$1,186/mo ↑ 10%
543,348
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

23.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tucson, AZ and Metairie, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 76 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $80/month cheaper in Tucson, saving renters about $960/year.

Median household income is $18,710/year higher in Metairie. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tucson is $242,200 compared to $308,900 in Metairie.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tucson vs Metairie — common questions

Is Tucson or Metairie cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tucson is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 88 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tucson and Metairie?
Median rent in Tucson is $1,079/month and in Metairie it's $1,159/month — a difference of $80/month.
Which city has higher income, Tucson or Metairie?
Median household income is $54,546 in Tucson and $73,256 in Metairie. Median household income is $18,710/year higher in Metairie.
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 Tucson or Metairie?
It depends on your priorities. Tucson has a cost index of 76 with median rent of $1,079/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 Tucson details → View Metairie details →

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