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

Lancaster

California
124
VS

Metairie

Louisiana
88

Lancaster is 41% more expensive than Metairie.

$1,696/mo ↑ 46%
Median Rent
$1,159/mo ↓ 32%
$76,083/yr ↑ 4%
Median Income
$73,256/yr ↓ 4%
$409,100 ↑ 32%
Home Value
$308,900 ↓ 24%
$1,746/mo ↑ 47%
Owner Costs
$1,186/mo ↓ 32%
170,013
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

26.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lancaster, CA and Metairie, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 124 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $537/month cheaper in Metairie, saving renters about $6,444/year.

Median household income is $2,827/year higher in Lancaster. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lancaster is $409,100 compared to $308,900 in Metairie.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lancaster vs Metairie — common questions

Is Lancaster or Metairie cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Metairie is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 124 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lancaster and Metairie?
Median rent in Lancaster is $1,696/month and in Metairie it's $1,159/month — a difference of $537/month.
Which city has higher income, Lancaster or Metairie?
Median household income is $76,083 in Lancaster and $73,256 in Metairie. Median household income is $2,827/year higher in Lancaster.
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 Lancaster or Metairie?
It depends on your priorities. Lancaster has a cost index of 124 with median rent of $1,696/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 Lancaster details → View Metairie details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Lancaster and Metairie

Lancaster vs. Pembroke Pines Lancaster vs. Fort Collins Lancaster vs. Garden Grove Lancaster vs. Springfield Lancaster vs. Clarksville Lancaster vs. Palmdale Metairie vs. Fullerton Metairie vs. Orange Metairie vs. Waco Metairie vs. Warren Metairie vs. Visalia Metairie vs. Columbia