Metairie CDP vs Houston

Category / Metric	Metairie CDP	Houston
Financial Overview
Median Income	$65,465	$62,637
Unemployment Rate	4.3%	4.8%
Housing Market
Median Home Price	$319,700	$335,000
Price per SqFt	$null	$175
Monthly Rent (1BR)	$865	$1,135
Housing Cost Index	79.7	106.5
Cost of Living
Groceries Index	92.0	103.4
Gas Price (Gallon)	$3.40	$2.35
Safety & Lifestyle
Violent Crime (per 100k)	639.4	912.4
Bachelor's Degree+	39.9%	37.1%
Air Quality (AQI)	40	44

Houston vs. Metairie: The Ultimate Head-to-Head Showdown

So, you’re looking to make a move. Maybe it’s a new job, a fresh start, or just a hankering for a change of scenery. You’ve landed on two very different Texas-sized contenders: the sprawling, powerhouse metropolis of Houston, and the breezy, tight-knit community of Metairie CDP. On the surface, they’re both in the Gulf Coast region, but they might as well be different planets.

As your relocation expert, I’ve crunched the numbers, felt the humidity, and talked to locals. This isn't just about spreadsheets; it's about where you'll actually live and love it. Let’s break it down, head-to-head.

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The Vibe Check: Big City Buzz vs. Neighborhood Charm

Houston is a beast. It’s the fourth-largest city in the U.S. and feels like it. The vibe here is one of relentless energy, diversity, and sprawl. You can find world-class museums, a legendary food scene (from food trucks to Michelin stars), and professional sports any night of the week. It’s a city for the ambitious, the curious, and those who thrive on the anonymity and opportunity a mega-city provides. If you want to get lost in a crowd and find your niche, Houston is your playground.

Metairie CDP (Census Designated Place), on the other hand, is a suburb with a soul. Located just west of New Orleans, it’s often considered a bedroom community, but it’s far more than that. It’s a place where you know your neighbors, where weekends are for local festivals and backyard BBQs, and where the pace is decidedly slower. It’s less about "what can I do tonight?" and more about "where are we all gathering?" It’s for those who want the amenities of a major city (hello, NOLA!) within a 15-minute drive, but without the chaos.

Verdict:

• Houston is for the urban adventurer, the career-driven, and anyone who needs options—endless options.
• Metairie is for the community-seeker, the family-focused, and those who prefer a quieter, more predictable home base.

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The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Salary Stretch?

Let's talk about the most tangible factor: your wallet. The cost of living is often the deciding factor, and the numbers here tell a fascinating story.

Cost of Living Comparison Table

Category	Houston	Metairie CDP	The Takeaway
Median Home Price	$335,000	$319,700	Metairie is slightly cheaper, but the gap is narrowing.
1-BR Rent	$1,135	$865	Metairie wins big on rent—a 24% savings.
Housing Index	106.5	79.7	Metairie is 25% more affordable for housing overall.
Median Income	$62,637	$65,465	Metairie residents earn slightly more on paper.

Salary Wars & Purchasing Power:
Here’s where it gets interesting. Let’s say you earn a $100,000 salary. In Houston, your purchasing power is boosted significantly by Texas’s 0% state income tax. However, you’ll spend more on rent and utilities. In Metairie, your cash goes further for housing, but you face Louisiana’s state income tax (which can range from 2% to 6% depending on your bracket). On a $100k salary, that’s roughly $3,000-$6,000 less in your pocket annually compared to Texas.

The Bottom Line: If you’re a renter, Metairie is the clear financial winner. The $270/month savings on rent alone is a game-changer. For homeowners, the math is closer, but Metairie’s lower housing index still gives it an edge. However, Texas’s tax advantage for high earners might make Houston a wash or even a win in the long run.

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The Housing Market: To Buy or To Rent?

Houston’s market is a high-stakes game. With a population of over 2.3 million, demand is fierce. It’s often a seller’s market, especially in desirable neighborhoods like The Heights or Montrose. Bidding wars are common, and inventory can move fast. Renting is a viable long-term strategy here, but be prepared for rent hikes. The median home price of $335,000 is attainable for many, but finding that perfect home in your budget requires patience and a sharp real estate agent.

Metairie’s market is more stable and predictable. With a population of 136,597, it’s a smaller pond. It’s generally a balanced market, leaning slightly toward buyers. The inventory of single-family homes is healthier, and you’re less likely to face the frantic bidding wars common in Houston. The median home price of $319,700 is accessible, and the lower housing index means you can often get more square footage and a larger lot for your money. For first-time homebuyers, Metairie presents a far less intimidating entry point.

Verdict: Metairie is the winner for first-time homebuyers and those who want a calmer purchasing experience. Houston is for seasoned buyers who can navigate a competitive market and are willing to pay a premium for location and amenities.

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The Dealbreakers: Life, Traffic, and Safety

This is where the rubber meets the road—or where you sit in your car, in traffic, wondering if you’ll ever get home.

Traffic & Commute

• Houston: Notorious. The phrase "Houston traffic" is a punchline for a reason. Commutes can easily be 45-60 minutes for a relatively short distance. The city is built for cars, and public transit (Metro) exists but is limited. If you hate sitting in your car, Houston will test your patience daily.
• Metairie: Much more manageable. You’re dealing with suburban and parish (county) roads. The commute to New Orleans is straightforward via I-10, but it’s a short hop. Daily errands are quick. You’ll spend far less time in traffic here.

Weather

• Houston: Brutal humidity. The average temperature is 59.0°F, but that’s misleading. Summers are long, hot, and sticky, with highs regularly hitting 95°F+ and heat indices soaring higher. It’s an indoor-life climate for months. Winters are mild but can be wet and dreary.
• Metairie: Similar humidity, but slightly tempered by its proximity to Lake Pontchartrain. The average temperature is a warmer 66.0°F. It shares the Gulf Coast’s muggy summers but also enjoys the festive, mild winters. Be aware: both cities are in "Tornado Alley" and are vulnerable to hurricanes. Metairie, being closer to the coast, is often in the direct path of storms.

Crime & Safety

Let’s be direct, because sugarcoating helps no one.

• Houston: The data is concerning. With a violent crime rate of 912.4 per 100,000, it’s significantly above the national average. Safety varies drastically by neighborhood. Some areas are perfectly safe and family-friendly; others are best avoided. Your experience is highly location-dependent.
• Metairie: Statistically safer. Its violent crime rate is 639.4 per 100,000—still high, but notably lower than Houston’s. As a suburban community, it generally has a lower crime profile, though property crime can be an issue in any area. Overall, Metairie offers a greater sense of security for most residents.

Verdict: For daily life, Metairie wins decisively on traffic and safety. Houston offers more indoor entertainment but at a cost of stress and, for many, a higher safety concern.

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The Final Verdict: Who Should You Choose?

After analyzing the data and the lifestyle, here’s my professional, opinionated take.

Winner for Families

Metairie CDP
Why? The combination of lower crime rates, more manageable traffic, better housing affordability (for buying), and a strong sense of community is a powerful trifecta for raising kids. The schools are part of the Jefferson Parish public system, which has solid options. Houston can be great for families too, but the logistical grind and safety concerns in many parts of the city make Metairie the more straightforward, secure choice.

Winner for Singles & Young Professionals

Houston
The energy, diversity, and career opportunities in Houston are unmatched. The nightlife, food scene, and cultural events are a young professional’s dream. While you’ll pay more for rent and deal with traffic, the trade-off is access to a world-class city that never sleeps. Metairie’s quieter pace might feel limiting for someone looking to network, date, and explore.

Winner for Retirees

Metairie CDP
This is a tough call, but Metairie edges out Houston for most retirees. The lower cost of living, especially for homeowners, is a huge plus on a fixed income. The slower pace, community feel, and proximity to New Orleans for cultural outings are ideal. Houston’s size and traffic can be overwhelming for older adults, and while it has excellent medical facilities, the daily logistics are simpler in Metairie.

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At a Glance: Pros & Cons

Houston

Pros:

• 0% State Income Tax: A major financial advantage.
• Endless Things to Do: World-class dining, museums, sports, and shopping.
• Diverse Job Market: Strong in energy, healthcare, tech, and aerospace.
• Cultural Melting Pot: Experience a true global city.
• Major Airport (IAH): Excellent for travel.

Cons:

• Traffic & Commutes: Can be soul-crushing.
• High Crime Rates: Requires careful neighborhood selection.
• Brutal Humidity & Heat: Summers are long and oppressive.
• Sprawl: You need a car for almost everything.
• Cost of Living Creep: Especially for rent and utilities.

Metairie CDP

Pros:

• Lower Cost of Living: Cheaper rent and a more affordable housing market.
• Manageable Size & Traffic: Easy to get around.
• Safer: Statistically lower violent crime rates.
• Community Feel: Strong neighborhood bonds and local events.
• Proximity to NOLA: All the culture of New Orleans without the chaos.

Cons:

• Louisiana State Income Tax: Reduces your take-home pay.
• Fewer Local Amenities: You’ll drive to New Orleans for major concerts, museums, and specialized shopping.
• Hurricane Risk: Significant vulnerability to tropical storms.
• Limited Public Transit: Still a car-dependent suburb.
• Slower Pace: Can feel limiting for some.

The Bottom Line

Your choice ultimately hinges on a simple question: Do you want the city, or do you want the community?

Choose Houston if you crave the adrenaline of a major metropolis, prioritize career opportunities and cultural diversity, and can handle the traffic and cost for the privilege. It’s a city that rewards the bold.

Choose Metairie CDP if you value stability, safety, and a slower, more connected way of life. It’s for those who want a comfortable home base with easy access to big-city perks, without the daily grind. It’s a city that rewards the practical.

There’s no wrong answer, just the right fit for your next chapter. Choose wisely.