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

Metairie

Louisiana
88
VS

Richmond

California
161

Metairie is 45% cheaper than Richmond.

$1,159/mo ↓ 39%
Median Rent
$1,895/mo ↑ 64%
$73,256/yr ↓ 19%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↑ 23%
$308,900 ↓ 52%
Home Value
$650,100 ↑ 110%
$1,186/mo ↓ 41%
Owner Costs
$2,015/mo ↑ 70%
138,995
Population
115,396

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
25.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Metairie, LA and Richmond, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 161 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $736/month cheaper in Metairie, saving renters about $8,832/year.

Median household income is $16,782/year higher in Richmond. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Metairie is $308,900 compared to $650,100 in Richmond.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Metairie vs Richmond — common questions

Is Metairie or Richmond cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Metairie is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 161 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Metairie and Richmond?
Median rent in Metairie is $1,159/month and in Richmond it's $1,895/month — a difference of $736/month.
Which city has higher income, Metairie or Richmond?
Median household income is $73,256 in Metairie and $90,038 in Richmond. Median household income is $16,782/year higher in Richmond.
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 Richmond?
It depends on your priorities. Metairie has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,159/mo, while Richmond has a cost index of 161 with rent of $1,895/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Metairie details → View Richmond details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Metairie and Richmond

Metairie vs. Fullerton Metairie vs. Orange Metairie vs. Waco Metairie vs. Warren Metairie vs. Visalia Metairie vs. Columbia Richmond vs. Manchester Richmond vs. High Point Richmond vs. Westminster Richmond vs. League City Richmond vs. Antioch Richmond vs. Lowell