Cost of Living: New Orleans, LA vs Cary, NC (2026)

New Orleans

Louisiana
90
VS

Cary

North Carolina
135

New Orleans is 33% cheaper than Cary.

$1,211/mo ↓ 25%
Median Rent
$1,621/mo ↑ 34%
$55,339/yr ↓ 57%
Median Income
$129,399/yr ↑ 134%
$296,400 ↓ 44%
Home Value
$525,200 ↑ 77%
$1,274/mo ↓ 27%
Owner Costs
$1,744/mo ↑ 37%
376,035
Population
176,686

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
4.5%
4.45%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
0.55%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

26.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
15.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing New Orleans, LA and Cary, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 90 and 135 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $410/month cheaper in New Orleans, saving renters about $4,920/year.

Median household income is $74,060/year higher in Cary. Home values also differ significantly — the median in New Orleans is $296,400 compared to $525,200 in Cary.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

New Orleans vs Cary — common questions

Is New Orleans or Cary cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, New Orleans is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 135 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between New Orleans and Cary?
Median rent in New Orleans is $1,211/month and in Cary it's $1,621/month — a difference of $410/month.
Which city has higher income, New Orleans or Cary?
Median household income is $55,339 in New Orleans and $129,399 in Cary. Median household income is $74,060/year higher in Cary.
How do taxes compare between Louisiana and North Carolina?
Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to New Orleans or Cary?
It depends on your priorities. New Orleans has a cost index of 90 with median rent of $1,211/mo, while Cary has a cost index of 135 with rent of $1,621/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View New Orleans details → View Cary details →

More Comparisons

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