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

Metairie

Louisiana
88
VS

Downey

California
169

Metairie is 48% cheaper than Downey.

$1,159/mo ↓ 39%
Median Rent
$1,892/mo ↑ 63%
$73,256/yr ↓ 16%
Median Income
$87,400/yr ↑ 19%
$308,900 ↓ 58%
Home Value
$728,500 ↑ 136%
$1,186/mo ↓ 41%
Owner Costs
$1,997/mo ↑ 68%
138,995
Population
111,793

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
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Metairie, LA and Downey, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 169 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $733/month cheaper in Metairie, saving renters about $8,796/year.

Median household income is $14,144/year higher in Downey. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Metairie is $308,900 compared to $728,500 in Downey.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Metairie vs Downey — common questions

Is Metairie or Downey cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Metairie is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Metairie and Downey?
Median rent in Metairie is $1,159/month and in Downey it's $1,892/month — a difference of $733/month.
Which city has higher income, Metairie or Downey?
Median household income is $73,256 in Metairie and $87,400 in Downey. Median household income is $14,144/year higher in Downey.
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 Downey?
It depends on your priorities. Metairie has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,159/mo, while Downey has a cost index of 169 with rent of $1,892/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Metairie details → View Downey details →

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