Cost of Living in Metairie, LA

With a cost of living index of 92, Metairie, LA is slightly more affordable than average. Living here is 8% cheaper than the national average and 18% above the Louisiana state average of 74. As a major city with a population of 138,995, Metairie offers a wide range of housing options, employment opportunities, and urban amenities.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Metairie's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,159 (12% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $308,900 (1% above the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 4.2x the median household income — a moderately affordable ratio by today's standards.

The median household income in Metairie is $73,256, which is 3% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 19% of household income on rent. This is a comfortable ratio, well below the 30% threshold that financial experts recommend as a maximum.

Everyday prices in the New Orleans-Metairie, LA (Metropolitan Statistical Area) metro area are generally below the national average. Out of 6 common items tracked by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 6 are priced lower than the US average. These real-world prices — from groceries to electricity — add up and should be factored into any cost of living comparison.

Data sources: US Census Bureau (ACS 2023), Zillow Home Values, HUD Fair Market Rents, BEA Regional Price Parities, BLS Average Prices, and NOAA Climate Normals. Updated monthly.