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

Metairie

Louisiana
88
VS

Santa Clara

California
307

Metairie is 71% cheaper than Santa Clara.

$1,159/mo ↓ 61%
Median Rent
$2,985/mo ↑ 158%
$73,256/yr ↓ 58%
Median Income
$173,670/yr ↑ 137%
$308,900 ↓ 80%
Home Value
$1,527,900 ↑ 395%
$1,186/mo ↓ 61%
Owner Costs
$3,051/mo ↑ 157%
138,995
Population
129,239

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
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Metairie, LA and Santa Clara, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 307 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,826/month cheaper in Metairie, saving renters about $21,912/year.

Median household income is $100,414/year higher in Santa Clara. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Metairie is $308,900 compared to $1,527,900 in Santa Clara.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Metairie vs Santa Clara — common questions

Is Metairie or Santa Clara cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Metairie is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 307 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Metairie and Santa Clara?
Median rent in Metairie is $1,159/month and in Santa Clara it's $2,985/month — a difference of $1,826/month.
Which city has higher income, Metairie or Santa Clara?
Median household income is $73,256 in Metairie and $173,670 in Santa Clara. Median household income is $100,414/year higher in Santa Clara.
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 Santa Clara?
It depends on your priorities. Metairie has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,159/mo, while Santa Clara has a cost index of 307 with rent of $2,985/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Metairie details → View Santa Clara details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Metairie and Santa Clara

Metairie vs. Fullerton Metairie vs. Orange Metairie vs. Waco Metairie vs. Warren Metairie vs. Visalia Metairie vs. Columbia Santa Clara vs. Carrollton Santa Clara vs. Fargo Santa Clara vs. New Haven Santa Clara vs. Norman Santa Clara vs. Sterling Heights Santa Clara vs. Lewisville