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

Riverside

California
144
VS

Metairie

Louisiana
88

Riverside is 64% more expensive than Metairie.

$1,812/mo ↑ 56%
Median Rent
$1,159/mo ↓ 36%
$88,575/yr ↑ 21%
Median Income
$73,256/yr ↓ 17%
$542,100 ↑ 75%
Home Value
$308,900 ↓ 43%
$1,880/mo ↑ 59%
Owner Costs
$1,186/mo ↓ 37%
316,241
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

24.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Riverside, CA and Metairie, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 144 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $653/month cheaper in Metairie, saving renters about $7,836/year.

Median household income is $15,319/year higher in Riverside. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Riverside is $542,100 compared to $308,900 in Metairie.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Riverside vs Metairie — common questions

Is Riverside 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 Riverside and Metairie?
Median rent in Riverside is $1,812/month and in Metairie it's $1,159/month — a difference of $653/month.
Which city has higher income, Riverside or Metairie?
Median household income is $88,575 in Riverside and $73,256 in Metairie. Median household income is $15,319/year higher in Riverside.
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 Riverside or Metairie?
It depends on your priorities. Riverside has a cost index of 144 with median rent of $1,812/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 Riverside details → View Metairie details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Riverside and Metairie

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