Cost of Living: Tulsa, OK vs Metairie, LA (2026)

Tulsa

Oklahoma
67
VS

Metairie

Louisiana
88

Tulsa is 24% cheaper than Metairie.

$998/mo ↓ 14%
Median Rent
$1,159/mo ↑ 16%
$58,407/yr ↓ 20%
Median Income
$73,256/yr ↑ 25%
$189,600 ↓ 39%
Home Value
$308,900 ↑ 63%
$1,027/mo ↓ 13%
Owner Costs
$1,186/mo ↑ 15%
412,322
Population
138,995

Tax Comparison

4.75%
Income Tax
4.25%
4.5%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
0.9%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

20.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tulsa, OK and Metairie, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $161/month cheaper in Tulsa, saving renters about $1,932/year.

Median household income is $14,849/year higher in Metairie. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tulsa is $189,600 compared to $308,900 in Metairie.

Louisiana has a lower income tax rate, making Metairie slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tulsa vs Metairie — common questions

Is Tulsa or Metairie cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tulsa is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 88 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tulsa and Metairie?
Median rent in Tulsa is $998/month and in Metairie it's $1,159/month — a difference of $161/month.
Which city has higher income, Tulsa or Metairie?
Median household income is $58,407 in Tulsa and $73,256 in Metairie. Median household income is $14,849/year higher in Metairie.
How do taxes compare between Oklahoma and Louisiana?
Oklahoma has 4.75% income tax, 4.5% sales tax, and 0.9% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Tulsa or Metairie?
It depends on your priorities. Tulsa has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $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 Tulsa details → View Metairie details →

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