Median rent is 4% lower in Metairie ($1,159/mo vs $1,211/mo). Buying is cheaper in New Orleans, where the median home runs $296,400 versus $308,900. Households earn more in Metairie ($73,256 vs $55,339 a year). Overall, the two cities have a nearly identical cost of living index (93.7).
City A
Metairie, LA
City B
New Orleans, LA
How much would you need to earn in New Orleans, LA to maintain your standard of living from Metairie, LA?
Equivalent salary in New Orleans, LA
$75,000
Costs are about the same in both cities.
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
Metairie
Louisiana
New Orleans
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: $1,159/mo in Metairie and $1,211/mo in New Orleans. Median home values are within 4% of each other: $308,900 in Metairie and $296,400 in New Orleans.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Louisiana's top income tax rate is 4.25% versus 4.25% in Louisiana, so New Orleans is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 4.45% in Louisiana and 4.45% in Louisiana; New Orleans has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Metairie
Income tax: 4.25%
Sales tax: 4.45%
New Orleans
Income tax: 4.25%
Sales tax: 4.45%
Air quality data is available for New Orleans (avg AQI 52.0) but not yet for Metairie.
Pick Metairie if you prioritize higher median household income ($73,256/yr).
Is Metairie cheaper than New Orleans?
Metairie is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 93.7 versus 93.7 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 0% lower in Metairie.
How much is rent in Metairie vs New Orleans?
Median rent is $1,159/mo in Metairie, LA and $1,211/mo in New Orleans, LA. Metairie, LA has the lower rent by about 4%.
Which has higher salaries — Metairie or New Orleans?
Median household income is $73,256 in Metairie, LA and $55,339 in New Orleans, 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 — Metairie or New Orleans?
Louisiana's top income tax rate is 4.25% and Louisiana's is 4.25%. New Orleans, LA has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in New Orleans to match my Metairie income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Metairie, LA is equivalent to roughly $100,000 in New Orleans, 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