Santa Rosa, CA vs Metairie, LA: 172 vs 88

$2,084/mo ↑ 80%

Median Rent

$1,159/mo ↓ 44%

$97,410/yr ↑ 33%

Median Income

$73,256/yr ↓ 25%

$685,000 ↑ 122%

Home Value

$308,900 ↓ 55%

$2,130/mo ↑ 80%

Owner Costs

$1,186/mo ↓ 44%

177,216

Population

138,995

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Rosa, CA and Metairie, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 172 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $925/month cheaper in Metairie, saving renters about $11,100/year.

Median household income is $24,154/year higher in Santa Rosa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Rosa is $685,000 compared to $308,900 in Metairie.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Rosa vs Metairie — common questions

Is Santa Rosa or Metairie cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Metairie is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 172 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Santa Rosa and Metairie?

Median rent in Santa Rosa is $2,084/month and in Metairie it's $1,159/month — a difference of $925/month.

Which city has higher income, Santa Rosa or Metairie?

Median household income is $97,410 in Santa Rosa and $73,256 in Metairie. Median household income is $24,154/year higher in Santa Rosa.

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 Rosa or Metairie?

It depends on your priorities. Santa Rosa has a cost index of 172 with median rent of $2,084/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 Rosa, CA vs Metairie, LA (2026)

Santa Rosa

Metairie

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

More Comparisons