Metairie, LA vs New Orleans, LA: Cost of Living Comparison
New Orleans has the lower overall cost of living. (100 = US national average)
Category-by-Category Comparison
| Category | Metairie | New Orleans | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 95 | 89 | New Orleans |
| Housing | 89 ($811) | 85 ($848) | New Orleans |
| Transportation | 102 ($3.50) | 108 ($3.50) | Metairie |
| Food & groceries | 98 ($402) | 74 ($303) | New Orleans |
| Utilities | 95 ($160) | 93 ($153) | New Orleans |
| Healthcare | 95 ($116) | 93 ($111) | New Orleans |
| Median annual wage | 94 ($45,520) | 94 ($45,520) | Tie |
Index 100 = US national average. Lower = cheaper. For wage, higher = better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Metairie, LA or New Orleans, LA cheaper to live in?
New Orleans, LA is cheaper overall by about 6 index points (Metairie, LA: 95, New Orleans, LA: 89; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in Metairie, LA vs New Orleans, LA?
A single adult needs roughly $33,250/year in Metairie, LA and $31,150/year in New Orleans, LA to cover basic living costs.