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

San Bernardino

California
109
VS

Metairie

Louisiana
88

San Bernardino is 24% more expensive than Metairie.

$1,433/mo ↑ 24%
Median Rent
$1,159/mo ↓ 19%
$63,988/yr ↓ 13%
Median Income
$73,256/yr ↑ 14%
$384,900 ↑ 25%
Home Value
$308,900 ↓ 20%
$1,478/mo ↑ 25%
Owner Costs
$1,186/mo ↓ 20%
221,774
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

26.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Bernardino, CA and Metairie, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 109 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $274/month cheaper in Metairie, saving renters about $3,288/year.

Median household income is $9,268/year higher in Metairie. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Bernardino is $384,900 compared to $308,900 in Metairie.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Bernardino vs Metairie — common questions

Is San Bernardino or Metairie cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Metairie is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 109 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Bernardino and Metairie?
Median rent in San Bernardino is $1,433/month and in Metairie it's $1,159/month — a difference of $274/month.
Which city has higher income, San Bernardino or Metairie?
Median household income is $63,988 in San Bernardino and $73,256 in Metairie. Median household income is $9,268/year higher in Metairie.
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 San Bernardino or Metairie?
It depends on your priorities. San Bernardino has a cost index of 109 with median rent of $1,433/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 San Bernardino details → View Metairie details →

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