Median rent is 16% lower in Metairie ($1,159/mo vs $1,380/mo). Buying is cheaper in Metairie, where the median home runs $308,900 versus $315,200. Households earn more in Chicago ($75,134 vs $73,256 a year). Taken together, Metairie is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 93.7 against 105.7 — about 11% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Metairie, LA.
Quick verdict
Metairie is 11% cheaper overall
Cost index: 93.7 in Metairie vs 105.7 in Chicago (US average = 100)
City A
Chicago, IL
City B
Metairie, LA
How much would you need to earn in Metairie, LA to maintain your standard of living from Chicago, IL?
Equivalent salary in Metairie, LA
$66,509
You could earn $8,491 less (11% lower) and break even.
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each city's metro area. A rough estimate of overall purchasing power, not tax or take-home pay.
Metric
Chicago
Illinois
Metairie
Louisiana
👥Population
💰Median Household Income
Annual
🏠Median Gross Rent
Per month
🏡Median Home Value
📊Cost of Living Index
US avg = 100
🔑1BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑2BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑3BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🌬️Air Quality Index
Lower = cleaner
🏛️Top State Income Tax
Top marginal rate
🧾State Sales Tax
Statewide base rate
🎂Median Age
Years
✓ = better value · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Median rent is modestly lower in Metairie at $1,159/mo compared to $1,380/mo in Chicago (16% gap). Median home values are within 2% of each other: $315,200 in Chicago and $308,900 in Metairie.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Illinois's top income tax rate is 4.95% versus 4.25% in Louisiana, so Metairie is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 6.25% in Illinois and 4.45% in Louisiana; Metairie has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Chicago
Income tax: 4.95%
Sales tax: 6.25%
Metairie
Income tax: 4.25%
Sales tax: 4.45%
Air quality data is available for Chicago (avg AQI 21.0) but not yet for Metairie.
Pick Metairie if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 93.7 vs 105.7).
Pick Metairie if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,159/mo median).
Pick Metairie if you prioritize lower state income tax (4.25%).
Is Chicago cheaper than Metairie?
Metairie is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 93.7 versus 105.7 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 11% lower in Metairie.
How much is rent in Chicago vs Metairie?
Median rent is $1,380/mo in Chicago, IL and $1,159/mo in Metairie, LA. Metairie, LA has the lower rent by about 16%.
Which has higher salaries — Chicago or Metairie?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago, IL and $73,256 in Metairie, LA. Chicago, IL has the higher median income. Note that BLS occupational wages in the table above show wages for specific jobs.
Which city has better air quality?
Air quality data is not yet available for one or both cities.
Which has lower taxes — Chicago or Metairie?
Illinois's top income tax rate is 4.95% and Louisiana's is 4.25%. Metairie, LA has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Metairie to match my Chicago income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Chicago, IL is equivalent to roughly $88,678 in Metairie, LA (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology