All Cities
Lafayette, LA vs Metairie, LA
Side-by-side rent vs. buy comparison using 2026 market data — home prices, rents, price-to-rent ratios, and more.
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Metric | Lafayette, LA | Metairie, LA | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $236K | $335K | Lafayette — More Affordable |
| Average Rent | $1,179/mo | $1,675/mo | Lafayette — Lower Rent |
| Price-to-Rent Ratio | 16.7× | 16.7× | — |
| Median List Price | $240K | $315K | Lafayette — Lower List Price |
| Price per Sq Ft | $144/sqft | $182/sqft | Lafayette — Lower Cost/SqFt |
| Days on Market | 70 days | 67 days | Lafayette — Hotter Market |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it cheaper to live in Lafayette or Metairie?
Lafayette has a median home price of $236K and average rent of $1,179/mo, while Metairie has a median home price of $335K and average rent of $1,675/mo.
Should I rent or buy in Lafayette?
Lafayette has a price-to-rent ratio of 16.7×. The market is roughly neutral between renting and buying.
Should I rent or buy in Metairie?
Metairie has a price-to-rent ratio of 16.7×. The market is roughly neutral between renting and buying.