Cost of Living: New Orleans, LA vs Allentown, PA (2026)

New Orleans

Louisiana
90
VS

Allentown

Pennsylvania
79

New Orleans is 14% more expensive than Allentown.

$1,211/mo ↓ 5%
Median Rent
$1,269/mo ↑ 5%
$55,339/yr ↑ 4%
Median Income
$53,403/yr ↓ 3%
$296,400 ↑ 57%
Home Value
$188,900 ↓ 36%
$1,274/mo ↑ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↓ 2%
376,035
Population
125,320

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
3.07%
4.45%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.55%
Property Tax
1.49%

Affordability

26.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing New Orleans, LA and Allentown, PA, the overall cost of living indices are 90 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $58/month cheaper in New Orleans, saving renters about $696/year.

Median household income is $1,936/year higher in New Orleans. Home values also differ significantly — the median in New Orleans is $296,400 compared to $188,900 in Allentown.

Pennsylvania has a lower income tax rate, making Allentown slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

New Orleans vs Allentown — common questions

Is New Orleans or Allentown cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Allentown is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 90 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between New Orleans and Allentown?
Median rent in New Orleans is $1,211/month and in Allentown it's $1,269/month — a difference of $58/month.
Which city has higher income, New Orleans or Allentown?
Median household income is $55,339 in New Orleans and $53,403 in Allentown. Median household income is $1,936/year higher in New Orleans.
How do taxes compare between Louisiana and Pennsylvania?
Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax. Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax.
Should I move to New Orleans or Allentown?
It depends on your priorities. New Orleans has a cost index of 90 with median rent of $1,211/mo, while Allentown has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,269/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View New Orleans details → View Allentown details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for New Orleans and Allentown

New Orleans vs. Aurora New Orleans vs. Cleveland New Orleans vs. Tampa New Orleans vs. Honolulu New Orleans vs. Arlington New Orleans vs. Anaheim Allentown vs. Thousand Oaks Allentown vs. Palm Bay Allentown vs. Simi Valley Allentown vs. Meridian Allentown vs. Pearland Allentown vs. Vallejo