Cost of Living: Elk Grove, CA vs Metairie, LA (2026)

Elk Grove

California
168
VS

Metairie

Louisiana
88

Elk Grove is 91% more expensive than Metairie.

$2,180/mo ↑ 88%
Median Rent
$1,159/mo ↓ 47%
$122,229/yr ↑ 67%
Median Income
$73,256/yr ↓ 40%
$603,400 ↑ 95%
Home Value
$308,900 ↓ 49%
$2,227/mo ↑ 88%
Owner Costs
$1,186/mo ↓ 47%
177,221
Population
138,995

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.25%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Elk Grove, CA and Metairie, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 168 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,021/month cheaper in Metairie, saving renters about $12,252/year.

Median household income is $48,973/year higher in Elk Grove. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Elk Grove is $603,400 compared to $308,900 in Metairie.

Louisiana has a lower income tax rate, making Metairie slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Elk Grove vs Metairie — common questions

Is Elk Grove or Metairie cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Metairie is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 168 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Elk Grove and Metairie?
Median rent in Elk Grove is $2,180/month and in Metairie it's $1,159/month — a difference of $1,021/month.
Which city has higher income, Elk Grove or Metairie?
Median household income is $122,229 in Elk Grove and $73,256 in Metairie. Median household income is $48,973/year higher in Elk Grove.
How do taxes compare between California and Louisiana?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Elk Grove or Metairie?
It depends on your priorities. Elk Grove has a cost index of 168 with median rent of $2,180/mo, while Metairie has a cost index of 88 with rent of $1,159/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Elk Grove details → View Metairie details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Elk Grove and Metairie

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