Cost of Living: Waco, TX vs Metairie, LA (2026)

Waco

Texas
72
VS

Metairie

Louisiana
88

Waco is 18% cheaper than Metairie.

$1,098/mo ↓ 5%
Median Rent
$1,159/mo ↑ 6%
$51,468/yr ↓ 30%
Median Income
$73,256/yr ↑ 42%
$199,600 ↓ 35%
Home Value
$308,900 ↑ 55%
$1,094/mo ↓ 8%
Owner Costs
$1,186/mo ↑ 8%
141,925
Population
138,995

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

25.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Waco, TX and Metairie, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 72 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $61/month cheaper in Waco, saving renters about $732/year.

Median household income is $21,788/year higher in Metairie. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Waco is $199,600 compared to $308,900 in Metairie.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Waco vs Metairie — common questions

Is Waco or Metairie cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Waco is cheaper to live in with an index of 72 compared to 88 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Waco and Metairie?
Median rent in Waco is $1,098/month and in Metairie it's $1,159/month — a difference of $61/month.
Which city has higher income, Waco or Metairie?
Median household income is $51,468 in Waco and $73,256 in Metairie. Median household income is $21,788/year higher in Metairie.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Louisiana?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Waco or Metairie?
It depends on your priorities. Waco has a cost index of 72 with median rent of $1,098/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 Waco details → View Metairie details →

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