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

Metairie

Louisiana
88
VS

Pasadena

California
220

Metairie is 60% cheaper than Pasadena.

$1,159/mo ↓ 48%
Median Rent
$2,218/mo ↑ 91%
$73,256/yr ↓ 29%
Median Income
$103,778/yr ↑ 42%
$308,900 ↓ 70%
Home Value
$1,045,000 ↑ 238%
$1,186/mo ↓ 49%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 97%
138,995
Population
136,462

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
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Metairie, LA and Pasadena, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 220 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,059/month cheaper in Metairie, saving renters about $12,708/year.

Median household income is $30,522/year higher in Pasadena. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Metairie is $308,900 compared to $1,045,000 in Pasadena.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Metairie vs Pasadena — common questions

Is Metairie or Pasadena cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Metairie is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 220 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Metairie and Pasadena?
Median rent in Metairie is $1,159/month and in Pasadena it's $2,218/month — a difference of $1,059/month.
Which city has higher income, Metairie or Pasadena?
Median household income is $73,256 in Metairie and $103,778 in Pasadena. Median household income is $30,522/year higher in Pasadena.
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 Pasadena?
It depends on your priorities. Metairie has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,159/mo, while Pasadena has a cost index of 220 with rent of $2,218/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Metairie details → View Pasadena details →

More Comparisons

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