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

Sacramento

California
132
VS

Metairie

Louisiana
88

Sacramento is 50% more expensive than Metairie.

$1,694/mo ↑ 46%
Median Rent
$1,159/mo ↓ 32%
$83,753/yr ↑ 14%
Median Income
$73,256/yr ↓ 13%
$484,600 ↑ 57%
Home Value
$308,900 ↓ 36%
$1,752/mo ↑ 48%
Owner Costs
$1,186/mo ↓ 32%
524,802
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

24.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sacramento, CA and Metairie, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $535/month cheaper in Metairie, saving renters about $6,420/year.

Median household income is $10,497/year higher in Sacramento. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sacramento is $484,600 compared to $308,900 in Metairie.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Sacramento vs Metairie — common questions

Is Sacramento or Metairie cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Metairie is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 132 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sacramento and Metairie?
Median rent in Sacramento is $1,694/month and in Metairie it's $1,159/month — a difference of $535/month.
Which city has higher income, Sacramento or Metairie?
Median household income is $83,753 in Sacramento and $73,256 in Metairie. Median household income is $10,497/year higher in Sacramento.
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 Sacramento or Metairie?
It depends on your priorities. Sacramento has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,694/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 Sacramento details → View Metairie details →

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