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

Ontario

California
152
VS

Metairie

Louisiana
88

Ontario is 73% more expensive than Metairie.

$1,916/mo ↑ 65%
Median Rent
$1,159/mo ↓ 40%
$82,806/yr ↑ 13%
Median Income
$73,256/yr ↓ 12%
$568,000 ↑ 84%
Home Value
$308,900 ↓ 46%
$1,967/mo ↑ 66%
Owner Costs
$1,186/mo ↓ 40%
178,347
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

27.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Ontario, CA and Metairie, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 152 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $757/month cheaper in Metairie, saving renters about $9,084/year.

Median household income is $9,550/year higher in Ontario. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Ontario is $568,000 compared to $308,900 in Metairie.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Ontario vs Metairie — common questions

Is Ontario or Metairie cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Metairie is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 152 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Ontario and Metairie?
Median rent in Ontario is $1,916/month and in Metairie it's $1,159/month — a difference of $757/month.
Which city has higher income, Ontario or Metairie?
Median household income is $82,806 in Ontario and $73,256 in Metairie. Median household income is $9,550/year higher in Ontario.
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 Ontario or Metairie?
It depends on your priorities. Ontario has a cost index of 152 with median rent of $1,916/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 Ontario details → View Metairie details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Ontario and Metairie

Ontario vs. Aurora Ontario vs. Eugene Ontario vs. Chattanooga Ontario vs. Elk Grove Ontario vs. Fort Lauderdale Ontario vs. Santa Rosa Metairie vs. Fullerton Metairie vs. Orange Metairie vs. Waco Metairie vs. Warren Metairie vs. Visalia Metairie vs. Columbia