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

Metairie

Louisiana
88
VS

Orange

California
206

Metairie is 118% cheaper than Orange.

$1,159/mo ↓ 49%
Median Rent
$2,252/mo ↑ 94%
$73,256/yr ↓ 37%
Median Income
$116,945/yr ↑ 60%
$308,900 ↓ 66%
Home Value
$900,700 ↑ 192%
$1,186/mo ↓ 50%
Owner Costs
$2,394/mo ↑ 102%
138,995
Population
138,723

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

19.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Metairie, LA and Orange, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 206 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,093/month cheaper in Metairie, saving renters about $13,116/year.

Median household income is $43,689/year higher in Orange. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Metairie is $308,900 compared to $900,700 in Orange.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Metairie vs Orange — common questions

Is Metairie or Orange cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Metairie is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 206 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Metairie and Orange?
Median rent in Metairie is $1,159/month and in Orange it's $2,252/month — a difference of $1,093/month.
Which city has higher income, Metairie or Orange?
Median household income is $73,256 in Metairie and $116,945 in Orange. Median household income is $43,689/year higher in Orange.
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 Orange?
It depends on your priorities. Metairie has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,159/mo, while Orange has a cost index of 206 with rent of $2,252/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Metairie details → View Orange details →