Cost of Living: New Orleans, LA vs Kent, WA (2026)

New Orleans

Louisiana
90
VS

Kent

Washington
145

New Orleans is 38% cheaper than Kent.

$1,211/mo ↓ 34%
Median Rent
$1,833/mo ↑ 51%
$55,339/yr ↓ 39%
Median Income
$90,416/yr ↑ 63%
$296,400 ↓ 45%
Home Value
$537,500 ↑ 81%
$1,274/mo ↓ 33%
Owner Costs
$1,915/mo ↑ 50%
376,035
Population
135,015

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
0%
4.45%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.55%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

26.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing New Orleans, LA and Kent, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 90 and 145 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $622/month cheaper in New Orleans, saving renters about $7,464/year.

Median household income is $35,077/year higher in Kent. Home values also differ significantly — the median in New Orleans is $296,400 compared to $537,500 in Kent.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Kent residents a significant tax advantage over Louisiana's 4.25% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

New Orleans vs Kent — common questions

Is New Orleans or Kent cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, New Orleans is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 145 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between New Orleans and Kent?
Median rent in New Orleans is $1,211/month and in Kent it's $1,833/month — a difference of $622/month.
Which city has higher income, New Orleans or Kent?
Median household income is $55,339 in New Orleans and $90,416 in Kent. Median household income is $35,077/year higher in Kent.
How do taxes compare between Louisiana and Washington?
Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to New Orleans or Kent?
It depends on your priorities. New Orleans has a cost index of 90 with median rent of $1,211/mo, while Kent has a cost index of 145 with rent of $1,833/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View New Orleans details → View Kent details →

More Comparisons

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