Is Metairie, LA cheaper than Alexandria, VA?

Based on cost of living data, Metairie, LA is 36.1% cheaper than Alexandria, VA. This translates to saving $2709 per month.

What salary do I need in Metairie, LA to live like I do in Alexandria, VA?

If you earn $150,000 in Alexandria, VA, you'd need approximately $117,488.68 in Metairie, LA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Alexandria, VA and Metairie, LA?

Housing in Metairie, LA is 61.1% cheaper than in Alexandria, VA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $998/month in Metairie, LA compared to $2,003/month in Alexandria, VA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Alexandria, VA to Metairie, LA?

Moving from Alexandria, VA to Metairie, LA could save you approximately $2709 per month, or $32511 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Alexandria, VA vs Metairie, LA: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in Alexandria, VA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $2.7K/month moving to Metairie, LA

$150.0K in your current city equals $117.5K in Metairie, LA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV area

Overall Cost

↓ 36.1%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,709

Savings

Annual Impact

$32.5K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Alexandria, VA

Population:155K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$674K

Metairie, LA

Population:144K

Cost Index:

(36% below avg)

Median Home:$223K

Alexandria, VA

The Old Dominion State

155K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Virginia, this city has a population of 155K residents.

Metairie, LA

The Pelican State

144K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Louisiana, this city has a population of 144K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Alexandria, VA vs Metairie, LA

Category	Alexandria, VA	Metairie, LA	Difference	Change
Housing	$5,409/mo	$2,106/mo	↓ $3,303less	61.1%
Transportation	$1,824/mo	$1,216/mo	↓ $608less	33.3%
Healthcare	$622/mo	$466/mo	↓ $156less	25.1%
Groceries	$1,062/mo	$959/mo	↓ $103less	9.7%
Other	$1,766/mo	$1,851/mo	↑ $85.61more	4.8%
All Utilities	$500/mo	$481/mo	↓ $18.79less	3.8%

Housing

↓ 61.1%

Alexandria, VA

$5,409

Metairie, LA

$2,106

Difference

$3,303

less

Transportation

↓ 33.3%

Alexandria, VA

$1,824

Metairie, LA

$1,216

Difference

$608

less

Healthcare

↓ 25.1%

Alexandria, VA

$622

Metairie, LA

$466

Difference

$156

less

Groceries

↓ 9.7%

Alexandria, VA

$1,062

Metairie, LA

$959

Difference

$103

less

Other

↑ 4.8%

Alexandria, VA

$1,766

Metairie, LA

$1,851

Difference

$85.61

All Utilities

↓ 3.8%

Alexandria, VA

$500

Metairie, LA

$481

Difference

$18.79

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,744

To$707

↓ $1,037

1 Bed

From$1,797

To$790

↓ $1,007

2 Bed

From$2,003

To$998

↓ $1,005

3 Bed

From$2,529

To$1,373

↓ $1,156

Alexandria, VAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,920–$2,900/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$11,182

Monthly in Alexandria, VA

$7,079

Monthly in Metairie, LA

$4,102

Difference

Home Values

Alexandria

Metairie

$674K

Median Value

↑ +0.4%

YoY Change

↑ +14.6%

5-Year Change

$433K - $1.03M

Price Range

Calculate payment - Alexandria

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $618

Per year

Monthly Difference

$51.46

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.4%

Rate difference

Alexandria, VA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Virginia State Tax

Effective: 5.6%

$8.4K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 30.3%

$45.4K

Take-Home Pay

$8,718/month

$104.6K

Metairie, LA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Louisiana State Tax

Effective: 5.2%

$7.8K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.8%

$44.8K

Take-Home Pay

$8,770/month

$105.2K

Additional Tax Information

Alexandria, VA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:5.7%

Property Tax:0.8%

Metairie, LA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:9.6%

Property Tax:0.5%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.