Cost of Living: Fresno, CA vs New Orleans, LA (2026)

Fresno

California
101
VS

New Orleans

Louisiana
90

Fresno is 12% more expensive than New Orleans.

$1,324/mo ↑ 9%
Median Rent
$1,211/mo ↓ 9%
$66,804/yr ↑ 21%
Median Income
$55,339/yr ↓ 17%
$348,500 ↑ 18%
Home Value
$296,400 ↓ 15%
$1,391/mo ↑ 9%
Owner Costs
$1,274/mo ↓ 8%
543,615
Population
376,035

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.25%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

23.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fresno, CA and New Orleans, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 101 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $113/month cheaper in New Orleans, saving renters about $1,356/year.

Median household income is $11,465/year higher in Fresno. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fresno is $348,500 compared to $296,400 in New Orleans.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fresno vs New Orleans — common questions

Is Fresno 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 101 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fresno and New Orleans?
Median rent in Fresno is $1,324/month and in New Orleans it's $1,211/month — a difference of $113/month.
Which city has higher income, Fresno or New Orleans?
Median household income is $66,804 in Fresno and $55,339 in New Orleans. Median household income is $11,465/year higher in Fresno.
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 Fresno or New Orleans?
It depends on your priorities. Fresno has a cost index of 101 with median rent of $1,324/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.
View Fresno details → View New Orleans details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fresno and New Orleans

Fresno vs. Albuquerque Fresno vs. Tucson Fresno vs. Milwaukee Fresno vs. Sacramento Fresno vs. Baltimore Fresno vs. Kansas City New Orleans vs. Aurora New Orleans vs. Cleveland New Orleans vs. Tampa New Orleans vs. Honolulu New Orleans vs. Arlington New Orleans vs. Anaheim