Santa Ana, CA vs Metairie, LA: 163 vs 88

$1,975/mo ↑ 70%

Median Rent

$1,159/mo ↓ 41%

$88,354/yr ↑ 21%

Median Income

$73,256/yr ↓ 17%

$657,800 ↑ 113%

Home Value

$308,900 ↓ 53%

$1,965/mo ↑ 66%

Owner Costs

$1,186/mo ↓ 40%

311,639

Population

138,995

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Ana, CA and Metairie, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 163 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $816/month cheaper in Metairie, saving renters about $9,792/year.

Median household income is $15,098/year higher in Santa Ana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Ana is $657,800 compared to $308,900 in Metairie.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Ana vs Metairie — common questions

Is Santa Ana or Metairie cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Metairie is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 163 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Santa Ana and Metairie?

Median rent in Santa Ana is $1,975/month and in Metairie it's $1,159/month — a difference of $816/month.

Which city has higher income, Santa Ana or Metairie?

Median household income is $88,354 in Santa Ana and $73,256 in Metairie. Median household income is $15,098/year higher in Santa Ana.

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 Santa Ana or Metairie?

It depends on your priorities. Santa Ana has a cost index of 163 with median rent of $1,975/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.

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

Santa Ana

Metairie

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

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