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

Modesto

California
120
VS

Metairie

Louisiana
88

Modesto is 36% more expensive than Metairie.

$1,609/mo ↑ 39%
Median Rent
$1,159/mo ↓ 28%
$77,899/yr ↑ 6%
Median Income
$73,256/yr ↓ 6%
$415,600 ↑ 35%
Home Value
$308,900 ↓ 26%
$1,613/mo ↑ 36%
Owner Costs
$1,186/mo ↓ 26%
218,614
Population
138,995

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

24.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Modesto, CA and Metairie, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $450/month cheaper in Metairie, saving renters about $5,400/year.

Median household income is $4,643/year higher in Modesto. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Modesto is $415,600 compared to $308,900 in Metairie.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Modesto vs Metairie — common questions

Is Modesto or Metairie cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Metairie is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Modesto and Metairie?
Median rent in Modesto is $1,609/month and in Metairie it's $1,159/month — a difference of $450/month.
Which city has higher income, Modesto or Metairie?
Median household income is $77,899 in Modesto and $73,256 in Metairie. Median household income is $4,643/year higher in Modesto.
How do taxes compare between California and Louisiana?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Modesto or Metairie?
It depends on your priorities. Modesto has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,609/mo, while Metairie has a cost index of 88 with rent of $1,159/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Modesto details → View Metairie details →

More Comparisons

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