Cost of Living: Worcester, MA vs Metairie, LA (2026)

Worcester

Massachusetts
104
VS

Metairie

Louisiana
88

Worcester is 18% more expensive than Metairie.

$1,415/mo ↑ 22%
Median Rent
$1,159/mo ↓ 18%
$67,544/yr ↓ 8%
Median Income
$73,256/yr ↑ 8%
$339,500 ↑ 10%
Home Value
$308,900 ↓ 9%
$1,521/mo ↑ 28%
Owner Costs
$1,186/mo ↓ 22%
205,501
Population
138,995

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
1.15%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Worcester, MA and Metairie, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $256/month cheaper in Metairie, saving renters about $3,072/year.

Median household income is $5,712/year higher in Metairie. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Worcester is $339,500 compared to $308,900 in Metairie.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Worcester vs Metairie — common questions

Is Worcester or Metairie cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Metairie is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Worcester and Metairie?
Median rent in Worcester is $1,415/month and in Metairie it's $1,159/month — a difference of $256/month.
Which city has higher income, Worcester or Metairie?
Median household income is $67,544 in Worcester and $73,256 in Metairie. Median household income is $5,712/year higher in Metairie.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Louisiana?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Worcester or Metairie?
It depends on your priorities. Worcester has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,415/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 Worcester details → View Metairie details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Worcester and Metairie

Worcester vs. Cape Coral Worcester vs. Columbus Worcester vs. Yonkers Worcester vs. Salt Lake City Worcester vs. Fayetteville Worcester vs. Little Rock Metairie vs. Fullerton Metairie vs. Orange Metairie vs. Waco Metairie vs. Warren Metairie vs. Visalia Metairie vs. Columbia