Build your monthly budget for Metairie. The calculator is pre-filled with realistic local expenses, including $1,300 average rent, so you can see your savings rate against the 50/30/20 rule.
Last updated: May 2026 · Data: U.S. Census, BLS, IRS, state and city sources
Metairie has a cost-of-living index of 100 (US average = 100). Housing is usually the largest line item, with average 1-bedroom rent near $1,300/month. The estimates below are pre-filled in the calculator and scaled to local costs.
| Expense Category | Typical Metairie Amount |
|---|---|
| Housing (1-bedroom rent) | $1,300/month |
| Food (single person) | $400/month |
| Transportation | $500/month |
| Utilities & Internet | $170/month |
| Healthcare & Insurance | $320/month |
| Personal & Entertainment | $225/month |
| Recommended Savings | 15%+ of gross income |
| Emergency Fund Target | 3 to 6 months of expenses |
Metairie is a large unincorporated community in Jefferson Parish and a core suburb of New Orleans, with an economy spanning healthcare, professional services, retail, and energy, and one of the largest populations in the New Orleans metro.
| Local Metric | Metairie (2026 estimate) |
|---|---|
| Metro population | 140,000 |
| County / jurisdiction | Jefferson Parish |
| Cost of living index (US avg = 100) | 100 |
| Regional living wage, single adult | $21.00/hour |
| Regional living wage, one earner supporting a family of four | $42.50/hour |
| Applicable minimum wage | $7.25/hour |
| Average rent, 1-bedroom | $1,300/month |
| Average rent, 2-bedroom | $1,600/month |
| Median home price | $300,000 |
| Median household income | $62,000/year |
| Combined sales tax rate | 9.2% |
| Effective property tax rate | 0.55% of value/year |
Local figures are 2026 estimates compiled from U.S. Census and Zillow housing data, and city and county sources. Verify current figures before relying on them.
With a cost-of-living index of 100 (US average = 100) and average 1-bedroom rent near $1,300/month, a single adult in Metairie typically needs take-home pay of at least $4,050/month to cover needs and save. The regional living wage for a single adult is about $21.00/hour.
Split after-tax income into 50% needs (housing, food, utilities, transport, minimum debt), 30% wants, and 20% savings and extra debt payoff. In a high-cost city like Metairie, the needs share often runs above 50%, so protect the 20% savings target.
Average rent in Metairie is about $1,300 for a 1-bedroom and $1,600 for a 2-bedroom. A common guideline keeps rent under 30% of gross income, though that is difficult in higher-cost metros.
Based on the local cost-of-living index, typical monthly expenses in Metairie run around $1,300 housing, $400 food, $500 transportation, and $170 utilities for a single person. The calculator is pre-filled with these estimates.
Aim for three to six months of essential expenses. In Metairie, with monthly needs around $2,690, that is roughly $8,070 to $16,140.