B+
5%
Overall NAT. AVG.
4%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
27%
Housing NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living score is 90, then the estimated cost of living is 10% lower than the national average. If the score is 110, then the estimated cost of living is 10% higher than average. The overall index is calculated using weighted estimates across major everyday expense categories, including housing (30%), groceries (16%), transportation (12%), healthcare (10%), utilities (8%), lifestyle and entertainment (8%), household expenses (8%), and education and childcare (8%). All values are AI-assisted city-level estimates designed for directional comparisons.
Index Metairie Louisiana National
Cost of living10593100
Groceries9698100
Health care9596100
Housing12782100
Transportation9697100
Utilities100101100
Lifestyle & Entertainment9696100
Household Items9798100
Education & Childcare9295100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Metairie, LA

Getting a feel for the cost of living in Metairie is essential for anyone planning to relocate, as it empowers them to make informed financial decisions, secure a comfortable lifestyle and maintain financial stability in their new environment. The cost of living in Metairie is 105, which is 5% higher than the national average. Relocating individuals may need to adjust their savings and investment strategies based on the cost of living in the new location. It influences decisions about retirement planning, investments and financial goals.

In Metairie, daily expenses such as food, housing, lifestyle expenses, transportation and health care are in line with comparable areas and about average when compared to all cities across the nation. This ensures that the cost of living in Metairie will resemble that of an average city, contributing to a manageable cost of living.

Housing costs make up a big chunk of the cost of living in Metairie, and they usually eat into a large part of your take-home pay. Unfortunately, in this area, both buying a home and renting one costs 27.2% more than the average city. This includes stuff like home prices, rent, mortgage rates, and insurance.

Is Metairie Affordable?

Is Metairie an affordable place to live? It's a good question and one that you might want to ask when considering any new city, as affordability can play a huge role in the decision making process. The cost of living index (which we covered above), as well as housing costs and income levels play a vital role in determining the affordability of an area. The median home price in Metairie is 38% higher than the national average, while the average monthly rent prices are 1.9% higher than average. The affordability of any location can also be influenced by median income levels. Metairie has a median household income of $89,524, which is 10.1% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Metairie?

Groceries: Over the past 2-3 years, grocery expenses have experienced substantial upward trends. In certain markets, food prices have surged by over 20% during this period, while others have witnessed more modest increases. These fluctuations in food costs can wield significant influence over the overall cost of living in a given region. In Metairie, the groceries index is 3.6% lower than the national average.

Urbanization: Larger, urban hubs brimming with ample amenities and robust employment opportunities often showcase a heightened cost of living. This surge is primarily attributed to the amplified demand for services and increased residential migration, culminating in elevated home prices and elevated rental rates. Conversely, less densely populated rural locales or regions characterized by reduced demand tend to offer a more limited array of amenities and undergo slower job market growth, ultimately yielding a more affordable cost of living.

Housing: When there's a high demand for housing in trendy places, it can cause property prices and rental rates to soar, leading to a significantly higher cost of living. Conversely, in less desirable locations, where demand is low, prices tend to decrease, resulting in a more budget-friendly cost of living. In Metairie, the housing index is 27.2% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living estimates displayed for Metairie are modeled using a U.S. average baseline of 100, helping provide a useful comparison of local living expenses. Housing calculations include U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other values are AI-assisted estimates based on regional cost patterns, climate, transportation, and everyday spending expectations. These values are intended for directional comparisons across cities.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Metairie is 14% higher than the Louisiana average
  • The cost of living in Metairie is 5% higher than the national average
  • Metairie housing is 27% higher than the national average
  • Louisiana general sales tax is 13% lower than the national average
  • Louisiana state income tax is 29% lower than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around Metairie

See all the best places to live around Metairie

Compare Metairie, LA Cost of Living

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      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$115,658$9,638$2,699$3,470
      Renters$58,853$4,904$1,373$1,766
      The percentage of monthly income spent on housing related expenses can help predict the affordability of housing in Metairie, LA, as well as what the overall cost of living might be. Generally, a good rule to follow is that the debt-to-income (DTI) level you want to maintain is 28 percent or less of your income on your rent or mortgage payments and not more than 36 percent of income on all expenses and debts. In Metairie, homeowners have a median income of $115,658. Using that number, a maximum of $2,699 per month should be allocated to housing expenses. For those who are renting instead of owning, the median income is $58,853, which means there is a maximum of $1,373 to be spent on the costs of renting a home or apartment.

      Louisiana Sales Tax

      State General Sales Tax With Max Surtax
      Louisiana 4.45% 11.45%

      Louisiana Income Tax

      State Income Tax (Low) Income Tax (High)
      Louisiana 1.85% 4.25%

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Pleasure Bend, LA3108515.5%
      Bridge City, LA6,5758811.9%
      Avondale, LA4,990919.5%
      New Sarpy, LA1,3098911.2%
      Westwego, LA8,662919.1%
      Metairie, LA141,8771055.4%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Milton, ON142,128n/a 
      Waco, TX142,208937.0%
      Charleston, SC142,42712322.8%
      Carrollton, TX142,47511111.1%
      Surprise, AZ142,58911515.0%
      Metairie, LA141,8771055.4%
      Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.