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

Fontana

California
146
VS

Metairie

Louisiana
88

Fontana is 66% more expensive than Metairie.

$1,733/mo ↑ 50%
Median Rent
$1,159/mo ↓ 33%
$98,187/yr ↑ 34%
Median Income
$73,256/yr ↓ 25%
$558,500 ↑ 81%
Home Value
$308,900 ↓ 45%
$1,990/mo ↑ 68%
Owner Costs
$1,186/mo ↓ 40%
211,921
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

21.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fontana, CA and Metairie, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 146 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $574/month cheaper in Metairie, saving renters about $6,888/year.

Median household income is $24,931/year higher in Fontana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fontana is $558,500 compared to $308,900 in Metairie.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fontana vs Metairie — common questions

Is Fontana or Metairie cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Metairie is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 146 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fontana and Metairie?
Median rent in Fontana is $1,733/month and in Metairie it's $1,159/month — a difference of $574/month.
Which city has higher income, Fontana or Metairie?
Median household income is $98,187 in Fontana and $73,256 in Metairie. Median household income is $24,931/year higher in Fontana.
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 Fontana or Metairie?
It depends on your priorities. Fontana has a cost index of 146 with median rent of $1,733/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 Fontana details → View Metairie details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fontana and Metairie

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