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

New Orleans

Louisiana
90
VS

Lancaster

California
124

New Orleans is 27% cheaper than Lancaster.

$1,211/mo ↓ 29%
Median Rent
$1,696/mo ↑ 40%
$55,339/yr ↓ 27%
Median Income
$76,083/yr ↑ 37%
$296,400 ↓ 28%
Home Value
$409,100 ↑ 38%
$1,274/mo ↓ 27%
Owner Costs
$1,746/mo ↑ 37%
376,035
Population
170,013

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
26.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing New Orleans, LA and Lancaster, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 90 and 124 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $485/month cheaper in New Orleans, saving renters about $5,820/year.

Median household income is $20,744/year higher in Lancaster. Home values also differ significantly — the median in New Orleans is $296,400 compared to $409,100 in Lancaster.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

New Orleans vs Lancaster — common questions

Is New Orleans or Lancaster cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, New Orleans is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 124 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between New Orleans and Lancaster?
Median rent in New Orleans is $1,211/month and in Lancaster it's $1,696/month — a difference of $485/month.
Which city has higher income, New Orleans or Lancaster?
Median household income is $55,339 in New Orleans and $76,083 in Lancaster. Median household income is $20,744/year higher in Lancaster.
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 Lancaster?
It depends on your priorities. New Orleans has a cost index of 90 with median rent of $1,211/mo, while Lancaster has a cost index of 124 with rent of $1,696/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View New Orleans details → View Lancaster details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for New Orleans and Lancaster

New Orleans vs. Aurora New Orleans vs. Cleveland New Orleans vs. Tampa New Orleans vs. Honolulu New Orleans vs. Arlington New Orleans vs. Anaheim Lancaster vs. Pembroke Pines Lancaster vs. Fort Collins Lancaster vs. Garden Grove Lancaster vs. Springfield Lancaster vs. Clarksville Lancaster vs. Palmdale