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

Metairie

Louisiana
88
VS

Fairfield

California
167

Metairie is 47% cheaper than Fairfield.

$1,159/mo ↓ 47%
Median Rent
$2,191/mo ↑ 89%
$73,256/yr ↓ 28%
Median Income
$102,321/yr ↑ 40%
$308,900 ↓ 48%
Home Value
$592,500 ↑ 92%
$1,186/mo ↓ 47%
Owner Costs
$2,226/mo ↑ 88%
138,995
Population
119,985

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
25.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Metairie, LA and Fairfield, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 167 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,032/month cheaper in Metairie, saving renters about $12,384/year.

Median household income is $29,065/year higher in Fairfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Metairie is $308,900 compared to $592,500 in Fairfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Metairie vs Fairfield — common questions

Is Metairie or Fairfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Metairie is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 167 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Metairie and Fairfield?
Median rent in Metairie is $1,159/month and in Fairfield it's $2,191/month — a difference of $1,032/month.
Which city has higher income, Metairie or Fairfield?
Median household income is $73,256 in Metairie and $102,321 in Fairfield. Median household income is $29,065/year higher in Fairfield.
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 Fairfield?
It depends on your priorities. Metairie has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,159/mo, while Fairfield has a cost index of 167 with rent of $2,191/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Metairie details → View Fairfield details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Metairie and Fairfield

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