Cost of Living: New Orleans, LA vs Charleston, SC (2026)

New Orleans

Louisiana
90
VS

Charleston

South Carolina
128

New Orleans is 30% cheaper than Charleston.

$1,211/mo ↓ 26%
Median Rent
$1,632/mo ↑ 35%
$55,339/yr ↓ 39%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↑ 63%
$296,400 ↓ 37%
Home Value
$469,100 ↑ 58%
$1,274/mo ↓ 25%
Owner Costs
$1,688/mo ↑ 32%
376,035
Population
152,014

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
6.4%
4.45%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.55%
Property Tax
0.57%

Affordability

26.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing New Orleans, LA and Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 90 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $421/month cheaper in New Orleans, saving renters about $5,052/year.

Median household income is $34,699/year higher in Charleston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in New Orleans is $296,400 compared to $469,100 in Charleston.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

New Orleans vs Charleston — common questions

Is New Orleans or Charleston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, New Orleans is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between New Orleans and Charleston?
Median rent in New Orleans is $1,211/month and in Charleston it's $1,632/month — a difference of $421/month.
Which city has higher income, New Orleans or Charleston?
Median household income is $55,339 in New Orleans and $90,038 in Charleston. Median household income is $34,699/year higher in Charleston.
How do taxes compare between Louisiana and South Carolina?
Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax. South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax.
Should I move to New Orleans or Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. New Orleans has a cost index of 90 with median rent of $1,211/mo, while Charleston has a cost index of 128 with rent of $1,632/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View New Orleans details → View Charleston details →

More Comparisons

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