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

New Orleans

Louisiana
90
VS

Durham

North Carolina
105

New Orleans is 14% cheaper than Durham.

$1,211/mo ↓ 14%
Median Rent
$1,412/mo ↑ 17%
$55,339/yr ↓ 30%
Median Income
$79,234/yr ↑ 43%
$296,400 ↓ 17%
Home Value
$355,300 ↑ 20%
$1,274/mo ↓ 11%
Owner Costs
$1,434/mo ↑ 13%
376,035
Population
288,465

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
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing New Orleans, LA and Durham, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 90 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $201/month cheaper in New Orleans, saving renters about $2,412/year.

Median household income is $23,895/year higher in Durham. Home values also differ significantly — the median in New Orleans is $296,400 compared to $355,300 in Durham.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

New Orleans vs Durham — common questions

Is New Orleans or Durham cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, New Orleans is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between New Orleans and Durham?
Median rent in New Orleans is $1,211/month and in Durham it's $1,412/month — a difference of $201/month.
Which city has higher income, New Orleans or Durham?
Median household income is $55,339 in New Orleans and $79,234 in Durham. Median household income is $23,895/year higher in Durham.
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 Durham?
It depends on your priorities. New Orleans has a cost index of 90 with median rent of $1,211/mo, while Durham has a cost index of 105 with rent of $1,412/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View New Orleans details → View Durham details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for New Orleans and Durham

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