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

Los Angeles

California
187
VS

New Orleans

Louisiana
90

Los Angeles is 108% more expensive than New Orleans.

$1,879/mo ↑ 55%
Median Rent
$1,211/mo ↓ 36%
$80,366/yr ↑ 45%
Median Income
$55,339/yr ↓ 31%
$879,500 ↑ 197%
Home Value
$296,400 ↓ 66%
$2,055/mo ↑ 61%
Owner Costs
$1,274/mo ↓ 38%
3,857,897
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

28.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Los Angeles, CA and New Orleans, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 187 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $668/month cheaper in New Orleans, saving renters about $8,016/year.

Median household income is $25,027/year higher in Los Angeles. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Los Angeles is $879,500 compared to $296,400 in New Orleans.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Los Angeles vs New Orleans — common questions

Is Los Angeles 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 187 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Los Angeles and New Orleans?
Median rent in Los Angeles is $1,879/month and in New Orleans it's $1,211/month — a difference of $668/month.
Which city has higher income, Los Angeles or New Orleans?
Median household income is $80,366 in Los Angeles and $55,339 in New Orleans. Median household income is $25,027/year higher in Los Angeles.
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 Los Angeles or New Orleans?
It depends on your priorities. Los Angeles has a cost index of 187 with median rent of $1,879/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 Los Angeles and New Orleans

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