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

Los Angeles

California
187
VS

Metairie

Louisiana
88

Los Angeles is 112% more expensive than Metairie.

$1,879/mo ↑ 62%
Median Rent
$1,159/mo ↓ 38%
$80,366/yr ↑ 10%
Median Income
$73,256/yr ↓ 9%
$879,500 ↑ 185%
Home Value
$308,900 ↓ 65%
$2,055/mo ↑ 73%
Owner Costs
$1,186/mo ↓ 42%
3,857,897
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

28.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Los Angeles, CA and Metairie, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 187 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $720/month cheaper in Metairie, saving renters about $8,640/year.

Median household income is $7,110/year higher in Los Angeles. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Los Angeles is $879,500 compared to $308,900 in Metairie.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Los Angeles vs Metairie — common questions

Is Los Angeles or Metairie cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Metairie is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 187 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Los Angeles and Metairie?
Median rent in Los Angeles is $1,879/month and in Metairie it's $1,159/month — a difference of $720/month.
Which city has higher income, Los Angeles or Metairie?
Median household income is $80,366 in Los Angeles and $73,256 in Metairie. Median household income is $7,110/year higher in Los Angeles.
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 Los Angeles or Metairie?
It depends on your priorities. Los Angeles has a cost index of 187 with median rent of $1,879/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 Los Angeles details → View Metairie details →

More Comparisons

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