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

San Diego

California
197
VS

Metairie

Louisiana
88

San Diego is 124% more expensive than Metairie.

$2,223/mo ↑ 92%
Median Rent
$1,159/mo ↓ 48%
$104,321/yr ↑ 42%
Median Income
$73,256/yr ↓ 30%
$848,500 ↑ 175%
Home Value
$308,900 ↓ 64%
$2,308/mo ↑ 95%
Owner Costs
$1,186/mo ↓ 49%
1,385,061
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

25.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Diego, CA and Metairie, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 197 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,064/month cheaper in Metairie, saving renters about $12,768/year.

Median household income is $31,065/year higher in San Diego. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Diego is $848,500 compared to $308,900 in Metairie.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Diego vs Metairie — common questions

Is San Diego or Metairie cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Metairie is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 197 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Diego and Metairie?
Median rent in San Diego is $2,223/month and in Metairie it's $1,159/month — a difference of $1,064/month.
Which city has higher income, San Diego or Metairie?
Median household income is $104,321 in San Diego and $73,256 in Metairie. Median household income is $31,065/year higher in San Diego.
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 Diego or Metairie?
It depends on your priorities. San Diego has a cost index of 197 with median rent of $2,223/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 Diego details → View Metairie details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for San Diego and Metairie

San Diego vs. San Antonio San Diego vs. Dallas San Diego vs. Philadelphia San Diego vs. San Jose San Diego vs. Phoenix San Diego vs. Austin Metairie vs. Fullerton Metairie vs. Orange Metairie vs. Waco Metairie vs. Warren Metairie vs. Visalia Metairie vs. Columbia