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

Long Beach

California
169
VS

New Orleans

Louisiana
90

Long Beach is 88% more expensive than New Orleans.

$1,803/mo ↑ 49%
Median Rent
$1,211/mo ↓ 33%
$83,969/yr ↑ 52%
Median Income
$55,339/yr ↓ 34%
$762,200 ↑ 157%
Home Value
$296,400 ↓ 61%
$1,890/mo ↑ 48%
Owner Costs
$1,274/mo ↓ 33%
458,491
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

25.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Long Beach, CA and New Orleans, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 169 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $592/month cheaper in New Orleans, saving renters about $7,104/year.

Median household income is $28,630/year higher in Long Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Long Beach is $762,200 compared to $296,400 in New Orleans.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Long Beach vs New Orleans — common questions

Is Long Beach 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 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Long Beach and New Orleans?
Median rent in Long Beach is $1,803/month and in New Orleans it's $1,211/month — a difference of $592/month.
Which city has higher income, Long Beach or New Orleans?
Median household income is $83,969 in Long Beach and $55,339 in New Orleans. Median household income is $28,630/year higher in Long Beach.
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 Long Beach or New Orleans?
It depends on your priorities. Long Beach has a cost index of 169 with median rent of $1,803/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 Long Beach details → View New Orleans details →

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