Metairie, LA vs Santa Maria, CA: 88 vs 137

$1,159/mo ↓ 37%

Median Rent

$1,842/mo ↑ 59%

$73,256/yr ↓ 13%

Median Income

$84,617/yr ↑ 16%

$308,900 ↓ 35%

Home Value

$478,200 ↑ 55%

$1,186/mo ↓ 34%

Owner Costs

$1,789/mo ↑ 51%

138,995

Population

109,880

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Metairie, LA and Santa Maria, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $683/month cheaper in Metairie, saving renters about $8,196/year.

Median household income is $11,361/year higher in Santa Maria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Metairie is $308,900 compared to $478,200 in Santa Maria.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Metairie vs Santa Maria — common questions

Is Metairie or Santa Maria cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Metairie is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 137 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Metairie and Santa Maria?

Median rent in Metairie is $1,159/month and in Santa Maria it's $1,842/month — a difference of $683/month.

Which city has higher income, Metairie or Santa Maria?

Median household income is $73,256 in Metairie and $84,617 in Santa Maria. Median household income is $11,361/year higher in Santa Maria.

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 Maria?

It depends on your priorities. Metairie has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,159/mo, while Santa Maria has a cost index of 137 with rent of $1,842/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.

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

Metairie

Santa Maria

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

More Comparisons