Is Metairie, LA cheaper than Cary, NC?

Based on cost of living data, Metairie, LA is 1.1% cheaper than Cary, NC. The two cities have very similar living costs.

What salary do I need in Metairie, LA to live like I do in Cary, NC?

If you earn $150,000 in Cary, NC, you'd need approximately $149,040.73 in Metairie, LA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Cary, NC and Metairie, LA?

Housing in Metairie, LA is 3.2% cheaper than in Cary, NC. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $998/month in Metairie, LA compared to $1,473/month in Cary, NC.

How much can I save per month by moving from Cary, NC to Metairie, LA?

Moving from Cary, NC to Metairie, LA could save you approximately $80 per month, or $959 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Cary, NC vs Metairie, LA: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Tap to swap

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in Cary, NC

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $79.94/month moving to Metairie, LA

$150.0K in your current city equals $149.0K in Metairie, LA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Raleigh-Cary, NC area

Overall Cost

↓ 1.1%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$79.94

Savings

Annual Impact

$959

Per year

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

Cary, NC

Population:180K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$514K

Metairie, LA

Population:144K

Cost Index:

(1% below avg)

Median Home:$223K

Cary, NC

The Tar Heel State

180K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in North Carolina, this city has a population of 180K 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: Cary, NC vs Metairie, LA

Category	Cary, NC	Metairie, LA	Difference	Change
Other	$1,672/mo	$1,851/mo	↑ $180more	10.7%
Healthcare	$595/mo	$466/mo	↓ $129less	21.7%
Housing	$2,175/mo	$2,106/mo	↓ $69.43less	3.2%
All Utilities	$541/mo	$481/mo	↓ $59.56less	11.0%
Transportation	$1,257/mo	$1,216/mo	↓ $40.55less	3.2%
Groceries	$949/mo	$959/mo	↑ $9.72more	1.0%

Other

↑ 10.7%

Cary, NC

$1,672

Metairie, LA

$1,851

Difference

$180

Healthcare

↓ 21.7%

Cary, NC

$595

Metairie, LA

$466

Difference

$129

less

Housing

↓ 3.2%

Cary, NC

$2,175

Metairie, LA

$2,106

Difference

$69.43

less

All Utilities

↓ 11.0%

Cary, NC

$541

Metairie, LA

$481

Difference

$59.56

less

Transportation

↓ 3.2%

Cary, NC

$1,257

Metairie, LA

$1,216

Difference

$40.55

less

Groceries

↑ 1.0%

Cary, NC

$949

Metairie, LA

$959

Difference

$9.72

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,281

To$707

↓ $574

1 Bed

From$1,344

To$790

↓ $554

2 Bed

From$1,473

To$998

↓ $475

3 Bed

From$1,847

To$1,373

↓ $474

Cary, NCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,480–$1,750/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.

$7,188

Monthly in Cary, NC

$7,079

Monthly in Metairie, LA

$109

Difference

Home Values

Cary

Metairie

$514K

Median Value

↓ -2.1%

YoY Change

↑ +44%

5-Year Change

$481K - $548K

Price Range

Calculate payment - Cary

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $625

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$52.08

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.4%

Rate difference

Cary, NC

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

North Carolina State Tax

Effective: 4.8%

$7.1K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.4%

$44.1K

Take-Home Pay

$8,822/month

$105.9K

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

Cary, NC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.1%

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.