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

New Orleans

Louisiana
90
VS

Jersey City

New Jersey
148

New Orleans is 39% cheaper than Jersey City.

$1,211/mo ↓ 36%
Median Rent
$1,902/mo ↑ 57%
$55,339/yr ↓ 42%
Median Income
$94,813/yr ↑ 71%
$296,400 ↓ 45%
Home Value
$534,500 ↑ 80%
$1,274/mo ↓ 36%
Owner Costs
$2,006/mo ↑ 57%
376,035
Population
289,691

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
24.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing New Orleans, LA and Jersey City, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 90 and 148 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $691/month cheaper in New Orleans, saving renters about $8,292/year.

Median household income is $39,474/year higher in Jersey City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in New Orleans is $296,400 compared to $534,500 in Jersey City.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

New Orleans vs Jersey City — common questions

Is New Orleans or Jersey City cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, New Orleans is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 148 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between New Orleans and Jersey City?
Median rent in New Orleans is $1,211/month and in Jersey City it's $1,902/month — a difference of $691/month.
Which city has higher income, New Orleans or Jersey City?
Median household income is $55,339 in New Orleans and $94,813 in Jersey City. Median household income is $39,474/year higher in Jersey City.
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 Jersey City?
It depends on your priorities. New Orleans has a cost index of 90 with median rent of $1,211/mo, while Jersey City has a cost index of 148 with rent of $1,902/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View New Orleans details → View Jersey City details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for New Orleans and Jersey City

New Orleans vs. Aurora New Orleans vs. Cleveland New Orleans vs. Tampa New Orleans vs. Honolulu New Orleans vs. Arlington New Orleans vs. Anaheim Jersey City vs. Lincoln Jersey City vs. Anchorage Jersey City vs. St. Louis Jersey City vs. Durham Jersey City vs. Greensboro Jersey City vs. Plano