Cost of Living: New Orleans, LA vs Boise, ID (2026)

New Orleans

Louisiana
90
VS

Boise

Idaho
112

New Orleans is 20% cheaper than Boise.

$1,211/mo ↓ 11%
Median Rent
$1,359/mo ↑ 12%
$55,339/yr ↓ 32%
Median Income
$81,308/yr ↑ 47%
$296,400 ↓ 35%
Home Value
$456,000 ↑ 54%
$1,274/mo ↓ 5%
Owner Costs
$1,337/mo ↑ 5%
376,035
Population
235,701

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
5.8%
4.45%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.55%
Property Tax
0.63%

Affordability

26.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing New Orleans, LA and Boise, ID, the overall cost of living indices are 90 and 112 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $148/month cheaper in New Orleans, saving renters about $1,776/year.

Median household income is $25,969/year higher in Boise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in New Orleans is $296,400 compared to $456,000 in Boise.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

New Orleans vs Boise — common questions

Is New Orleans or Boise cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, New Orleans is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between New Orleans and Boise?
Median rent in New Orleans is $1,211/month and in Boise it's $1,359/month — a difference of $148/month.
Which city has higher income, New Orleans or Boise?
Median household income is $55,339 in New Orleans and $81,308 in Boise. Median household income is $25,969/year higher in Boise.
How do taxes compare between Louisiana and Idaho?
Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax. Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax.
Should I move to New Orleans or Boise?
It depends on your priorities. New Orleans has a cost index of 90 with median rent of $1,211/mo, while Boise has a cost index of 112 with rent of $1,359/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View New Orleans details → View Boise details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for New Orleans and Boise

New Orleans vs. Aurora New Orleans vs. Cleveland New Orleans vs. Tampa New Orleans vs. Honolulu New Orleans vs. Arlington New Orleans vs. Anaheim Boise vs. Scottsdale Boise vs. Arlington Boise vs. Garland Boise vs. Norfolk Boise vs. Glendale Boise vs. Enterprise