Median rent is 1% lower in Metairie ($1,175/mo vs $1,182/mo). Buying is cheaper in Lubbock, where the median home runs $212,400 versus $327,500. Households earn more in Metairie ($73,042 vs $60,895 a year). Taken together, Lubbock is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 91.0 against 91.2 — about 0% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Metairie, LA.
City A
Lubbock, TX
City B
Metairie, LA
How much would you need to earn in Metairie, LA to maintain your standard of living from Lubbock, TX?
Equivalent salary in Metairie, LA
$75,168
You'd need $168 more (0% higher).
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
Lubbock
Texas
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 rents are similar in both cities: $1,182/mo in Lubbock and $1,175/mo in Metairie. Home buyers face a steeper market in Metairie: the median home is $327,500 versus $212,400 in Lubbock — 35% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
State tax data is not yet available for these cities.
Lubbock
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
Metairie
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
Air quality data is available for Lubbock (avg AQI 24.0) but not yet for Metairie.
Pick Metairie if you prioritize higher median household income ($73,042/yr).
Is Lubbock cheaper than Metairie?
Lubbock is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 91.0 versus 91.2 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 0% lower in Lubbock.
How much is rent in Lubbock vs Metairie?
Median rent is $1,182/mo in Lubbock, TX and $1,175/mo in Metairie, LA. Metairie, LA has the lower rent by about 1%.
Which has higher salaries — Lubbock or Metairie?
Median household income is $60,895 in Lubbock, TX and $73,042 in Metairie, LA. Metairie, LA 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 — Lubbock or Metairie?
State tax data is not yet available for one or both cities.
What salary do I need in Metairie to match my Lubbock income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Lubbock, TX is equivalent to roughly $100,224 in Metairie, LA (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2026 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology
