Is Metairie, LA cheaper than Charleston, SC?

Based on cost of living data, Metairie, LA is 3.0% cheaper than Charleston, SC. This translates to saving $223 per month.

What salary do I need in Metairie, LA to live like I do in Charleston, SC?

If you earn $150,000 in Charleston, SC, you'd need approximately $147,325.28 in Metairie, LA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Charleston, SC and Metairie, LA?

Housing in Metairie, LA is 9.4% cheaper than in Charleston, SC. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $998/month in Metairie, LA compared to $2,100/month in Charleston, SC.

How much can I save per month by moving from Charleston, SC to Metairie, LA?

Moving from Charleston, SC to Metairie, LA could save you approximately $223 per month, or $2675 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Charleston, SC 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 Charleston, SC

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $223/month moving to Metairie, LA

$150.0K in your current city equals $147.3K in Metairie, LA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Charleston-North Charleston, SC area

Overall Cost

↓ 3.0%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$223

Savings

Annual Impact

$2.7K

Per year

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

Charleston, SC

Population:155K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$490K

Metairie, LA

Population:144K

Cost Index:

(3% below avg)

Median Home:$223K

Charleston, SC

The Palmetto State

155K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in South Carolina, 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: Charleston, SC vs Metairie, LA

Category	Charleston, SC	Metairie, LA	Difference	Change
Housing	$2,325/mo	$2,106/mo	↓ $219less	9.4%
Other	$1,691/mo	$1,851/mo	↑ $160more	9.5%
Healthcare	$617/mo	$466/mo	↓ $151less	24.4%
All Utilities	$533/mo	$481/mo	↓ $51.45less	9.7%
Transportation	$1,265/mo	$1,216/mo	↓ $48.64less	3.8%
Groceries	$984/mo	$959/mo	↓ $25.26less	2.6%

Housing

↓ 9.4%

Charleston, SC

$2,325

Metairie, LA

$2,106

Difference

$219

less

Other

↑ 9.5%

Charleston, SC

$1,691

Metairie, LA

$1,851

Difference

$160

Healthcare

↓ 24.4%

Charleston, SC

$617

Metairie, LA

$466

Difference

$151

less

All Utilities

↓ 9.7%

Charleston, SC

$533

Metairie, LA

$481

Difference

$51.45

less

Transportation

↓ 3.8%

Charleston, SC

$1,265

Metairie, LA

$1,216

Difference

$48.64

less

Groceries

↓ 2.6%

Charleston, SC

$984

Metairie, LA

$959

Difference

$25.26

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,831

To$707

↓ $1,124

1 Bed

From$1,915

To$790

↓ $1,125

2 Bed

From$2,100

To$998

↓ $1,102

3 Bed

From$2,610

To$1,373

↓ $1,237

Charleston, SCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,400–$2,120/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.

$7,414

Monthly in Charleston, SC

$7,079

Monthly in Metairie, LA

$335

Difference

Home Values

Charleston

Metairie

$490K

Median Value

↓ -0.3%

YoY Change

↑ +55.7%

5-Year Change

$295K - $1.47M

Price Range

Calculate payment - Charleston

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $2.2K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$184

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

1.5%

Rate difference

Charleston, SC

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

South Carolina State Tax

Effective: 6.6%

$10.0K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 31.3%

$47.0K

Take-Home Pay

$8,586/month

$103.0K

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

Charleston, SC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.4%

Property Tax:0.6%

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.