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

Metairie

Louisiana
88
VS

Berkeley

California
251

Metairie is 65% cheaper than Berkeley.

$1,159/mo ↓ 46%
Median Rent
$2,127/mo ↑ 84%
$73,256/yr ↓ 33%
Median Income
$108,558/yr ↑ 48%
$308,900 ↓ 77%
Home Value
$1,351,100 ↑ 337%
$1,186/mo ↓ 49%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 97%
138,995
Population
120,223

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

19.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Metairie, LA and Berkeley, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 251 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $968/month cheaper in Metairie, saving renters about $11,616/year.

Median household income is $35,302/year higher in Berkeley. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Metairie is $308,900 compared to $1,351,100 in Berkeley.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Metairie vs Berkeley — common questions

Is Metairie or Berkeley cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Metairie is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 251 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Metairie and Berkeley?
Median rent in Metairie is $1,159/month and in Berkeley it's $2,127/month — a difference of $968/month.
Which city has higher income, Metairie or Berkeley?
Median household income is $73,256 in Metairie and $108,558 in Berkeley. Median household income is $35,302/year higher in Berkeley.
How do taxes compare between Louisiana and California?
Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Metairie or Berkeley?
It depends on your priorities. Metairie has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,159/mo, while Berkeley has a cost index of 251 with rent of $2,127/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Metairie details → View Berkeley details →

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