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

Santa Clarita

California
197
VS

Metairie

Louisiana
88

Santa Clarita is 124% more expensive than Metairie.

$2,486/mo ↑ 114%
Median Rent
$1,159/mo ↓ 53%
$119,926/yr ↑ 64%
Median Income
$73,256/yr ↓ 39%
$721,000 ↑ 133%
Home Value
$308,900 ↓ 57%
$2,649/mo ↑ 123%
Owner Costs
$1,186/mo ↓ 55%
229,021
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

24.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Clarita, CA and Metairie, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 197 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,327/month cheaper in Metairie, saving renters about $15,924/year.

Median household income is $46,670/year higher in Santa Clarita. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Clarita is $721,000 compared to $308,900 in Metairie.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Clarita vs Metairie — common questions

Is Santa Clarita 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 Santa Clarita and Metairie?
Median rent in Santa Clarita is $2,486/month and in Metairie it's $1,159/month — a difference of $1,327/month.
Which city has higher income, Santa Clarita or Metairie?
Median household income is $119,926 in Santa Clarita and $73,256 in Metairie. Median household income is $46,670/year higher in Santa Clarita.
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 Clarita or Metairie?
It depends on your priorities. Santa Clarita has a cost index of 197 with median rent of $2,486/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 Santa Clarita details → View Metairie details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Santa Clarita and Metairie

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