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

Sunnyvale

California
341
VS

Metairie

Louisiana
88

Sunnyvale is 288% more expensive than Metairie.

$3,065/mo ↑ 164%
Median Rent
$1,159/mo ↓ 62%
$181,862/yr ↑ 148%
Median Income
$73,256/yr ↓ 60%
$1,816,600 ↑ 488%
Home Value
$308,900 ↓ 83%
$3,016/mo ↑ 154%
Owner Costs
$1,186/mo ↓ 61%
153,455
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

20.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sunnyvale, CA and Metairie, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 341 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,906/month cheaper in Metairie, saving renters about $22,872/year.

Median household income is $108,606/year higher in Sunnyvale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sunnyvale is $1,816,600 compared to $308,900 in Metairie.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Sunnyvale vs Metairie — common questions

Is Sunnyvale or Metairie cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Metairie is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 341 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sunnyvale and Metairie?
Median rent in Sunnyvale is $3,065/month and in Metairie it's $1,159/month — a difference of $1,906/month.
Which city has higher income, Sunnyvale or Metairie?
Median household income is $181,862 in Sunnyvale and $73,256 in Metairie. Median household income is $108,606/year higher in Sunnyvale.
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 Sunnyvale or Metairie?
It depends on your priorities. Sunnyvale has a cost index of 341 with median rent of $3,065/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 Sunnyvale details → View Metairie details →

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