Cost of Living: New Orleans, LA vs Lowell, MA (2026)

New Orleans

Louisiana
90
VS

Lowell

Massachusetts
119

New Orleans is 24% cheaper than Lowell.

$1,211/mo ↓ 24%
Median Rent
$1,603/mo ↑ 32%
$55,339/yr ↓ 27%
Median Income
$76,205/yr ↑ 38%
$296,400 ↓ 25%
Home Value
$395,100 ↑ 33%
$1,274/mo ↓ 24%
Owner Costs
$1,672/mo ↑ 31%
376,035
Population
114,799

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
9.0%
4.45%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.55%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

26.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing New Orleans, LA and Lowell, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 90 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $392/month cheaper in New Orleans, saving renters about $4,704/year.

Median household income is $20,866/year higher in Lowell. Home values also differ significantly — the median in New Orleans is $296,400 compared to $395,100 in Lowell.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

New Orleans vs Lowell — common questions

Is New Orleans or Lowell cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, New Orleans is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 119 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between New Orleans and Lowell?
Median rent in New Orleans is $1,211/month and in Lowell it's $1,603/month — a difference of $392/month.
Which city has higher income, New Orleans or Lowell?
Median household income is $55,339 in New Orleans and $76,205 in Lowell. Median household income is $20,866/year higher in Lowell.
How do taxes compare between Louisiana and Massachusetts?
Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to New Orleans or Lowell?
It depends on your priorities. New Orleans has a cost index of 90 with median rent of $1,211/mo, while Lowell has a cost index of 119 with rent of $1,603/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View New Orleans details → View Lowell details →

More Comparisons

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