Median rent is 4% lower in Oklahoma City ($1,130/mo vs $1,175/mo). Buying is cheaper in Oklahoma City, where the median home runs $231,300 versus $327,500. Households earn more in Metairie ($73,042 vs $68,656 a year). Taken together, Metairie is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 91.2 against 91.4 — about 0% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Metairie, LA.
City A
Metairie, LA
City B
Oklahoma City, OK
How much would you need to earn in Oklahoma City, OK to maintain your standard of living from Metairie, LA?
Equivalent salary in Oklahoma City, OK
$75,206
You'd need $206 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
Metairie
Louisiana
Oklahoma City
Oklahoma
👥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: $1,175/mo in Metairie and $1,130/mo in Oklahoma City. Home buyers face a steeper market in Metairie: the median home is $327,500 versus $231,300 in Oklahoma City — 29% 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.
Metairie
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
Oklahoma City
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
Air quality data is available for Oklahoma City (avg AQI 48.0) but not yet for Metairie.
Pick Metairie if you prioritize higher median household income ($73,042/yr).
Is Metairie cheaper than Oklahoma City?
Metairie is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 91.2 versus 91.4 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 0% lower in Metairie.
How much is rent in Metairie vs Oklahoma City?
Median rent is $1,175/mo in Metairie, LA and $1,130/mo in Oklahoma City, OK. Oklahoma City, OK has the lower rent by about 4%.
Which has higher salaries — Metairie or Oklahoma City?
Median household income is $73,042 in Metairie, LA and $68,656 in Oklahoma City, OK. 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 Oklahoma City?
State tax data is not yet available for one or both cities.
What salary do I need in Oklahoma City to match my Metairie income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Metairie, LA is equivalent to roughly $100,275 in Oklahoma City, OK (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
