Cost of Living: Virginia Beach, VA vs Metairie, LA (2026)

Virginia Beach

Virginia
117
VS

Metairie

Louisiana
88

Virginia Beach is 33% more expensive than Metairie.

$1,649/mo ↑ 42%
Median Rent
$1,159/mo ↓ 30%
$90,685/yr ↑ 24%
Median Income
$73,256/yr ↓ 19%
$366,300 ↑ 19%
Home Value
$308,900 ↓ 16%
$1,704/mo ↑ 44%
Owner Costs
$1,186/mo ↓ 30%
457,066
Population
138,995

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
4.25%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

21.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Virginia Beach, VA and Metairie, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 117 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $490/month cheaper in Metairie, saving renters about $5,880/year.

Median household income is $17,429/year higher in Virginia Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Virginia Beach is $366,300 compared to $308,900 in Metairie.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Virginia Beach vs Metairie — common questions

Is Virginia Beach or Metairie cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Metairie is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 117 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Virginia Beach and Metairie?
Median rent in Virginia Beach is $1,649/month and in Metairie it's $1,159/month — a difference of $490/month.
Which city has higher income, Virginia Beach or Metairie?
Median household income is $90,685 in Virginia Beach and $73,256 in Metairie. Median household income is $17,429/year higher in Virginia Beach.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Louisiana?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Virginia Beach or Metairie?
It depends on your priorities. Virginia Beach has a cost index of 117 with median rent of $1,649/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 Virginia Beach details → View Metairie details →

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