Cost of Living: New Orleans, LA vs Cambridge, MA (2026)

New Orleans

Louisiana
90
VS

Cambridge

Massachusetts
239

New Orleans is 62% cheaper than Cambridge.

$1,211/mo ↓ 56%
Median Rent
$2,742/mo ↑ 126%
$55,339/yr ↓ 56%
Median Income
$126,469/yr ↑ 129%
$296,400 ↓ 72%
Home Value
$1,040,500 ↑ 251%
$1,274/mo ↓ 52%
Owner Costs
$2,634/mo ↑ 107%
376,035
Population
117,794

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
9.0%
4.45%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.55%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

26.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing New Orleans, LA and Cambridge, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 90 and 239 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,531/month cheaper in New Orleans, saving renters about $18,372/year.

Median household income is $71,130/year higher in Cambridge. Home values also differ significantly — the median in New Orleans is $296,400 compared to $1,040,500 in Cambridge.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

New Orleans vs Cambridge — common questions

Is New Orleans or Cambridge cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, New Orleans is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 239 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between New Orleans and Cambridge?
Median rent in New Orleans is $1,211/month and in Cambridge it's $2,742/month — a difference of $1,531/month.
Which city has higher income, New Orleans or Cambridge?
Median household income is $55,339 in New Orleans and $126,469 in Cambridge. Median household income is $71,130/year higher in Cambridge.
How do taxes compare between Louisiana and Massachusetts?
Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to New Orleans or Cambridge?
It depends on your priorities. New Orleans has a cost index of 90 with median rent of $1,211/mo, while Cambridge has a cost index of 239 with rent of $2,742/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View New Orleans details → View Cambridge details →

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