Cost of Living: Boston, MA vs New Orleans, LA (2026)

Boston

Massachusetts
176
VS

New Orleans

Louisiana
90

Boston is 96% more expensive than New Orleans.

$2,093/mo ↑ 73%
Median Rent
$1,211/mo ↓ 42%
$94,755/yr ↑ 71%
Median Income
$55,339/yr ↓ 42%
$710,400 ↑ 140%
Home Value
$296,400 ↓ 58%
$2,176/mo ↑ 71%
Owner Costs
$1,274/mo ↓ 41%
663,972
Population
376,035

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
1.15%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

26.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boston, MA and New Orleans, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $882/month cheaper in New Orleans, saving renters about $10,584/year.

Median household income is $39,416/year higher in Boston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boston is $710,400 compared to $296,400 in New Orleans.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Boston vs New Orleans — common questions

Is Boston or New Orleans cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, New Orleans is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boston and New Orleans?
Median rent in Boston is $2,093/month and in New Orleans it's $1,211/month — a difference of $882/month.
Which city has higher income, Boston or New Orleans?
Median household income is $94,755 in Boston and $55,339 in New Orleans. Median household income is $39,416/year higher in Boston.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Louisiana?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Boston or New Orleans?
It depends on your priorities. Boston has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $2,093/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 Boston and New Orleans

Boston vs. Washington Boston vs. Las Vegas Boston vs. El Paso Boston vs. Portland Boston vs. Nashville Boston vs. Detroit New Orleans vs. Aurora New Orleans vs. Cleveland New Orleans vs. Tampa New Orleans vs. Honolulu New Orleans vs. Arlington New Orleans vs. Anaheim