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

New Orleans

Louisiana
90
VS

Fullerton

California
195

New Orleans is 54% cheaper than Fullerton.

$1,211/mo ↓ 43%
Median Rent
$2,124/mo ↑ 75%
$55,339/yr ↓ 47%
Median Income
$104,219/yr ↑ 88%
$296,400 ↓ 66%
Home Value
$859,600 ↑ 190%
$1,274/mo ↓ 43%
Owner Costs
$2,251/mo ↑ 77%
376,035
Population
141,278

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
24.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing New Orleans, LA and Fullerton, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 90 and 195 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $913/month cheaper in New Orleans, saving renters about $10,956/year.

Median household income is $48,880/year higher in Fullerton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in New Orleans is $296,400 compared to $859,600 in Fullerton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

New Orleans vs Fullerton — common questions

Is New Orleans or Fullerton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, New Orleans is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 195 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between New Orleans and Fullerton?
Median rent in New Orleans is $1,211/month and in Fullerton it's $2,124/month — a difference of $913/month.
Which city has higher income, New Orleans or Fullerton?
Median household income is $55,339 in New Orleans and $104,219 in Fullerton. Median household income is $48,880/year higher in Fullerton.
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 Fullerton?
It depends on your priorities. New Orleans has a cost index of 90 with median rent of $1,211/mo, while Fullerton has a cost index of 195 with rent of $2,124/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View New Orleans details → View Fullerton details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for New Orleans and Fullerton

New Orleans vs. Aurora New Orleans vs. Cleveland New Orleans vs. Tampa New Orleans vs. Honolulu New Orleans vs. Arlington New Orleans vs. Anaheim Fullerton vs. Waco Fullerton vs. Metairie Fullerton vs. Visalia Fullerton vs. Orange Fullerton vs. Thornton Fullerton vs. Warren