Metairie is right next to New Orleans, but everyday costs can be different from what you’d pay in the Big Easy. Here’s what you can expect to pay in Metairie in 2026.
Key Takeaways
- The New Orleans, LA, metro area, which includes Metairie, runs about 13% above the national average on cost of living, and housing is the main reason why.
- Metairie’s median household income was $73,042 in the Census Bureau’s 2020-2024 estimates, which is higher than Jefferson Parish, Kenner, and New Orleans.
- Metairie’s median home price hit $349,791 in May 2026, which is roughly 30% above Jefferson Parish and 46% above Louisiana’s statewide median.
- Home values in Metairie are still climbing year over year, even while several nearby markets have slipped.
You’ve probably heard that Metairie is one of the more comfortable places to live in the New Orleans area. But between checking whether Metairie is a safe place to live and running the numbers to see if you can afford it, you need to know what daily life there actually costs. The cost of living in Metairie, LA, affects your rent, groceries, commute, and even your mortgage, so it’s worth breaking down piece by piece before you commit to moving.
What Is the Cost of Living in Metairie, LA?
Living in Metairie costs about 13% more than the national average. That figure comes from the cost of living index, which compares local expenses with a national benchmark of 100. The New Orleans metro area, which includes Metairie, most recently scored 113.2, meaning everyday costs are higher than they are in much of the country.
Another way to look at Metairie’s cost of living is through MIT’s living wage calculator, which estimates how much New Orleans-Metairie residents need to cover basic expenses. For one adult, the monthly budget includes about $964 for housing, $371 for food, and $696 for transportation.
A household with two working adults and one child needs around $6,926 per month before taxes to cover the basics. Housing for a family that big may take up an even larger share of that budget, as the average asking rent reached $1,605 in June 2026.
What Is the Average Income in Metairie, LA?
Metairie residents generally earn more than people in the surrounding area. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, per capita income in Metairie was $46,765 from 2020 to 2024. This figure divides all income earned in the area among every resident, including children and retirees.
Median household income was $73,042, meaning half of Metairie households earned more and half earned less. That is higher than the median household income in both Jefferson Parish, at $65,252, and New Orleans, at $56,631.
Across the wider New Orleans metro area, the average worker earned $28.70 per hour as of May 2024. That works out to about $59,696 per year for someone working full time.
Metairie also has a lower poverty rate than nearby areas. About 12.5% of residents live below the poverty line, compared with 17.1% across Jefferson Parish and 22.6% in New Orleans.
Are the Median Home Prices in Metairie Higher Than Average?
Metairie home prices are high compared with most of Jefferson Parish and Louisiana, but they are close to what buyers pay in New Orleans.
The median home price in Metairie, LA, was $349,791 in May 2026. That means the price of houses in Metairie was about 30% higher than Jefferson Parish’s $269,143 and roughly 46% higher than Louisiana’s statewide median of $239,333. Compare that to the median sale price of homes in New Orleans at $354,038, which is only slightly higher than Metairie’s.
Don’t Let the Cost of Living in Metairie Delay Homeownership
The higher cost of living in Metairie, LA, can make buying a home feel difficult. But it doesn’t actually have to be. For more than 15 years, Home Helpers Properties has helped Louisiana families buy homes. We offer owner-financing options with no down payment, credit assistance, and payment plans based on what you can realistically afford each month.
We’ve worked with first-time homebuyers, people turned down by traditional lenders, and families tired of watching rent take up more of their budget. Wherever you’re starting from, there’s a path to homeownership.
Apply to buy a house now and take the first step toward a payment plan that actually works for your budget.
