Cost of Living: New Orleans, LA vs Manchester, NH (2026)

New Orleans

Louisiana
90
VS

Manchester

New Hampshire
106

New Orleans is 15% cheaper than Manchester.

$1,211/mo ↓ 17%
Median Rent
$1,465/mo ↑ 21%
$55,339/yr ↓ 29%
Median Income
$77,415/yr ↑ 40%
$296,400 ↓ 12%
Home Value
$336,300 ↑ 13%
$1,274/mo ↓ 18%
Owner Costs
$1,548/mo ↑ 22%
376,035
Population
115,415

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
0%
4.45%
State Sales Tax
0%
0.55%
Property Tax
1.86%

Affordability

26.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing New Orleans, LA and Manchester, NH, the overall cost of living indices are 90 and 106 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $254/month cheaper in New Orleans, saving renters about $3,048/year.

Median household income is $22,076/year higher in Manchester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in New Orleans is $296,400 compared to $336,300 in Manchester.

New Hampshire has no state income tax, giving Manchester residents a significant tax advantage over Louisiana's 4.25% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

New Orleans vs Manchester — common questions

Is New Orleans or Manchester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, New Orleans is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 106 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between New Orleans and Manchester?
Median rent in New Orleans is $1,211/month and in Manchester it's $1,465/month — a difference of $254/month.
Which city has higher income, New Orleans or Manchester?
Median household income is $55,339 in New Orleans and $77,415 in Manchester. Median household income is $22,076/year higher in Manchester.
How do taxes compare between Louisiana and New Hampshire?
Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax. New Hampshire has 0% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 1.86% property tax.
Should I move to New Orleans or Manchester?
It depends on your priorities. New Orleans has a cost index of 90 with median rent of $1,211/mo, while Manchester has a cost index of 106 with rent of $1,465/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View New Orleans details → View Manchester details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for New Orleans and Manchester

New Orleans vs. Aurora New Orleans vs. Cleveland New Orleans vs. Tampa New Orleans vs. Honolulu New Orleans vs. Arlington New Orleans vs. Anaheim Manchester vs. Westminster Manchester vs. Richmond Manchester vs. Antioch Manchester vs. High Point Manchester vs. Broken Arrow Manchester vs. League City