Is Austin, TX cheaper than Metairie, LA?

Based on cost of living data, Austin, TX is 9.6% more expensive than Metairie, LA. This translates to spending an extra $723 per month.

What salary do I need in Austin, TX to live like I do in Metairie, LA?

If you earn $150,000 in Metairie, LA, you'd need approximately $158,671.377 in Austin, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Metairie, LA and Austin, TX?

Housing in Austin, TX is 37.0% more expensive than in Metairie, LA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,995/month in Austin, TX compared to $998/month in Metairie, LA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Metairie, LA to Austin, TX?

Living in Austin, TX costs approximately $723 more per month than Metairie, LA, or $8671 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Metairie, LA vs Austin, TX: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Metairie, LA — COL adjusted from New Orleans, LA area + state data

Current salary in Metairie, LA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $723/month more in Austin, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $158.7K in Austin, TX

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from area

Overall Cost

↑ 9.6%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$723

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$8.7K

Per year

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

Metairie, LA

Population:144K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$223K

Austin, TX

Population:979K

Cost Index:110

Median Home:$558K

Metairie, LA

The Pelican State

144K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Austin, TX

The Lone Star State

979K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Live music capital
•Major tech hub
•SXSW festival city

Major Industries

TechnologyMusic IndustryEducationGovernment

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Metairie, LA vs Austin, TX

Category	Metairie, LA	Austin, TX	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,106/mo	$2,885/mo	↑ $779more	37.0%
🏥Healthcare	$466/mo	$589/mo	↑ $123more	26.4%
📦Other	$1,851/mo	$1,741/mo	↓ $110less	6.0%
🚗Transportation	$1,216/mo	$1,284/mo	↑ $67.55more	5.6%
⚡All Utilities	$481/mo	$541/mo	↑ $59.87more	12.4%
🛒Groceries	$959/mo	$959/mo	↑ $0.42more	0.0%

🏠Housing

↑ 37.0%

Metairie, LA

$2,106

Austin, TX

$2,885

Difference

$779

🏥Healthcare

↑ 26.4%

Metairie, LA

$466

Austin, TX

$589

Difference

$123

📦Other

↓ 6.0%

Metairie, LA

$1,851

Austin, TX

$1,741

Difference

$110

less

🚗Transportation

↑ 5.6%

Metairie, LA

$1,216

Austin, TX

$1,284

Difference

$67.55

⚡All Utilities

↑ 12.4%

Metairie, LA

$481

Austin, TX

$541

Difference

$59.87

🛒Groceries

↑ 0.0%

Metairie, LA

$959

Austin, TX

$959

Difference

$0.42

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$707

To$1,585

↑ $878

1 Bed

From$790

To$1,685

↑ $895

2 Bed

From$998

To$1,995

↑ $997

3 Bed

From$1,373

To$2,525

↑ $1,152

Austin, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,490–$2,350/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.

$7,079

Monthly in Metairie, LA

$7,998

Monthly in Austin, TX

$919

Difference

Home Values

Metairie

Austin

Median Value

$558K

YoY Change

↓ -5%

5-Year Change

↑ +12.6%

Price Range

$272K - $1.26M

Calculate payment - Austin

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $7.8K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$646

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

5.2%

Rate difference

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

Austin, TX

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Texas State Tax

No state income tax

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 24.7%

$37.0K

Take-Home Pay

$9,416/month

$113.0K

Additional Tax Information

Metairie, LA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:9.6%

Property Tax:0.5%

Austin, TX Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%

Property Tax:1.8%

💡 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.