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

Hayward

California
200
VS

Metairie

Louisiana
88

Hayward is 127% more expensive than Metairie.

$2,360/mo ↑ 104%
Median Rent
$1,159/mo ↓ 51%
$113,775/yr ↑ 55%
Median Income
$73,256/yr ↓ 36%
$820,700 ↑ 166%
Home Value
$308,900 ↓ 62%
$2,420/mo ↑ 104%
Owner Costs
$1,186/mo ↓ 51%
159,201
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

24.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Hayward, CA and Metairie, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 200 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,201/month cheaper in Metairie, saving renters about $14,412/year.

Median household income is $40,519/year higher in Hayward. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Hayward is $820,700 compared to $308,900 in Metairie.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Hayward vs Metairie — common questions

Is Hayward or Metairie cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Metairie is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Hayward and Metairie?
Median rent in Hayward is $2,360/month and in Metairie it's $1,159/month — a difference of $1,201/month.
Which city has higher income, Hayward or Metairie?
Median household income is $113,775 in Hayward and $73,256 in Metairie. Median household income is $40,519/year higher in Hayward.
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 Hayward or Metairie?
It depends on your priorities. Hayward has a cost index of 200 with median rent of $2,360/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 Hayward details → View Metairie details →

More Comparisons

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