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

Metairie

Louisiana
88
VS

Costa Mesa

California
228

Metairie is 61% cheaper than Costa Mesa.

$1,159/mo ↓ 52%
Median Rent
$2,395/mo ↑ 107%
$73,256/yr ↓ 33%
Median Income
$110,073/yr ↑ 50%
$308,900 ↓ 71%
Home Value
$1,054,700 ↑ 241%
$1,186/mo ↓ 52%
Owner Costs
$2,462/mo ↑ 108%
138,995
Population
110,538

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
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Metairie, LA and Costa Mesa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 228 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,236/month cheaper in Metairie, saving renters about $14,832/year.

Median household income is $36,817/year higher in Costa Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Metairie is $308,900 compared to $1,054,700 in Costa Mesa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Metairie vs Costa Mesa — common questions

Is Metairie or Costa Mesa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Metairie is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 228 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Metairie and Costa Mesa?
Median rent in Metairie is $1,159/month and in Costa Mesa it's $2,395/month — a difference of $1,236/month.
Which city has higher income, Metairie or Costa Mesa?
Median household income is $73,256 in Metairie and $110,073 in Costa Mesa. Median household income is $36,817/year higher in Costa Mesa.
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 Costa Mesa?
It depends on your priorities. Metairie has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,159/mo, while Costa Mesa has a cost index of 228 with rent of $2,395/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Metairie details → View Costa Mesa details →

More Comparisons

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