Cost of Living: New Orleans, LA vs Downey, CA (2026)

New Orleans

Louisiana
90
VS

Downey

California
169

New Orleans is 47% cheaper than Downey.

$1,211/mo ↓ 36%
Median Rent
$1,892/mo ↑ 56%
$55,339/yr ↓ 37%
Median Income
$87,400/yr ↑ 58%
$296,400 ↓ 59%
Home Value
$728,500 ↑ 146%
$1,274/mo ↓ 36%
Owner Costs
$1,997/mo ↑ 57%
376,035
Population
111,793

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
13.3%
4.45%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.55%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing New Orleans, LA and Downey, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 90 and 169 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $681/month cheaper in New Orleans, saving renters about $8,172/year.

Median household income is $32,061/year higher in Downey. Home values also differ significantly — the median in New Orleans is $296,400 compared to $728,500 in Downey.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

New Orleans vs Downey — common questions

Is New Orleans or Downey cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, New Orleans is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between New Orleans and Downey?
Median rent in New Orleans is $1,211/month and in Downey it's $1,892/month — a difference of $681/month.
Which city has higher income, New Orleans or Downey?
Median household income is $55,339 in New Orleans and $87,400 in Downey. Median household income is $32,061/year higher in Downey.
How do taxes compare between Louisiana and California?
Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to New Orleans or Downey?
It depends on your priorities. New Orleans has a cost index of 90 with median rent of $1,211/mo, while Downey has a cost index of 169 with rent of $1,892/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View New Orleans details → View Downey details →

More Comparisons

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