Cost of Living: Baltimore, MD vs New Orleans, LA (2026)

Baltimore

Maryland
84
VS

New Orleans

Louisiana
90

Baltimore is 7% cheaper than New Orleans.

$1,290/mo ↑ 7%
Median Rent
$1,211/mo ↓ 6%
$59,623/yr ↑ 8%
Median Income
$55,339/yr ↓ 7%
$219,300 ↓ 26%
Home Value
$296,400 ↑ 35%
$1,333/mo ↑ 5%
Owner Costs
$1,274/mo ↓ 4%
577,193
Population
376,035

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
1.07%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

26.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Baltimore, MD and New Orleans, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 84 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $79/month cheaper in New Orleans, saving renters about $948/year.

Median household income is $4,284/year higher in Baltimore. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Baltimore is $219,300 compared to $296,400 in New Orleans.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Baltimore vs New Orleans — common questions

Is Baltimore or New Orleans cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Baltimore is cheaper to live in with an index of 84 compared to 90 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Baltimore and New Orleans?
Median rent in Baltimore is $1,290/month and in New Orleans it's $1,211/month — a difference of $79/month.
Which city has higher income, Baltimore or New Orleans?
Median household income is $59,623 in Baltimore and $55,339 in New Orleans. Median household income is $4,284/year higher in Baltimore.
How do taxes compare between Maryland and Louisiana?
Maryland has 5.75% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.07% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Baltimore or New Orleans?
It depends on your priorities. Baltimore has a cost index of 84 with median rent of $1,290/mo, while New Orleans has a cost index of 90 with rent of $1,211/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Baltimore and New Orleans

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