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

Fullerton

California
195
VS

Metairie

Louisiana
88

Fullerton is 107% more expensive than Metairie.

$2,124/mo ↑ 83%
Median Rent
$1,159/mo ↓ 45%
$104,219/yr ↑ 42%
Median Income
$73,256/yr ↓ 30%
$859,600 ↑ 178%
Home Value
$308,900 ↓ 64%
$2,251/mo ↑ 90%
Owner Costs
$1,186/mo ↓ 47%
141,278
Population
138,995

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

24.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fullerton, CA and Metairie, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 195 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $965/month cheaper in Metairie, saving renters about $11,580/year.

Median household income is $30,963/year higher in Fullerton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fullerton is $859,600 compared to $308,900 in Metairie.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fullerton vs Metairie — common questions

Is Fullerton or Metairie cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Metairie is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 195 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fullerton and Metairie?
Median rent in Fullerton is $2,124/month and in Metairie it's $1,159/month — a difference of $965/month.
Which city has higher income, Fullerton or Metairie?
Median household income is $104,219 in Fullerton and $73,256 in Metairie. Median household income is $30,963/year higher in Fullerton.
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 Fullerton or Metairie?
It depends on your priorities. Fullerton has a cost index of 195 with median rent of $2,124/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 Fullerton details → View Metairie details →