Cost of Living: New Orleans, LA vs Elizabeth, NJ (2026)

New Orleans

Louisiana
90
VS

Elizabeth

New Jersey
112

New Orleans is 20% cheaper than Elizabeth.

$1,211/mo ↓ 17%
Median Rent
$1,463/mo ↑ 21%
$55,339/yr ↓ 13%
Median Income
$63,874/yr ↑ 15%
$296,400 ↓ 25%
Home Value
$393,500 ↑ 33%
$1,274/mo ↓ 17%
Owner Costs
$1,543/mo ↑ 21%
376,035
Population
135,887

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
10.75%
4.45%
State Sales Tax
6.625%
0.55%
Property Tax
2.23%

Affordability

26.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing New Orleans, LA and Elizabeth, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 90 and 112 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $252/month cheaper in New Orleans, saving renters about $3,024/year.

Median household income is $8,535/year higher in Elizabeth. Home values also differ significantly — the median in New Orleans is $296,400 compared to $393,500 in Elizabeth.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

New Orleans vs Elizabeth — common questions

Is New Orleans or Elizabeth cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, New Orleans is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between New Orleans and Elizabeth?
Median rent in New Orleans is $1,211/month and in Elizabeth it's $1,463/month — a difference of $252/month.
Which city has higher income, New Orleans or Elizabeth?
Median household income is $55,339 in New Orleans and $63,874 in Elizabeth. Median household income is $8,535/year higher in Elizabeth.
How do taxes compare between Louisiana and New Jersey?
Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax. New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax.
Should I move to New Orleans or Elizabeth?
It depends on your priorities. New Orleans has a cost index of 90 with median rent of $1,211/mo, while Elizabeth has a cost index of 112 with rent of $1,463/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View New Orleans details → View Elizabeth details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for New Orleans and Elizabeth

New Orleans vs. Aurora New Orleans vs. Cleveland New Orleans vs. Tampa New Orleans vs. Honolulu New Orleans vs. Arlington New Orleans vs. Anaheim Elizabeth vs. Victorville Elizabeth vs. Stamford Elizabeth vs. Miramar Elizabeth vs. Kent Elizabeth vs. Pasadena Elizabeth vs. Midland