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

Moreno Valley

California
144
VS

Metairie

Louisiana
88

Moreno Valley is 64% more expensive than Metairie.

$2,036/mo ↑ 76%
Median Rent
$1,159/mo ↓ 43%
$87,477/yr ↑ 19%
Median Income
$73,256/yr ↓ 16%
$461,400 ↑ 49%
Home Value
$308,900 ↓ 33%
$1,980/mo ↑ 67%
Owner Costs
$1,186/mo ↓ 40%
210,378
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

27.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Moreno Valley, CA and Metairie, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 144 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $877/month cheaper in Metairie, saving renters about $10,524/year.

Median household income is $14,221/year higher in Moreno Valley. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Moreno Valley is $461,400 compared to $308,900 in Metairie.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Moreno Valley vs Metairie — common questions

Is Moreno Valley or Metairie cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Metairie is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 144 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Moreno Valley and Metairie?
Median rent in Moreno Valley is $2,036/month and in Metairie it's $1,159/month — a difference of $877/month.
Which city has higher income, Moreno Valley or Metairie?
Median household income is $87,477 in Moreno Valley and $73,256 in Metairie. Median household income is $14,221/year higher in Moreno Valley.
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 Moreno Valley or Metairie?
It depends on your priorities. Moreno Valley has a cost index of 144 with median rent of $2,036/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 Moreno Valley details → View Metairie details →

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