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

New Orleans

Louisiana
90
VS

Modesto

California
120

New Orleans is 25% cheaper than Modesto.

$1,211/mo ↓ 25%
Median Rent
$1,609/mo ↑ 33%
$55,339/yr ↓ 29%
Median Income
$77,899/yr ↑ 41%
$296,400 ↓ 29%
Home Value
$415,600 ↑ 40%
$1,274/mo ↓ 21%
Owner Costs
$1,613/mo ↑ 27%
376,035
Population
218,614

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
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing New Orleans, LA and Modesto, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 90 and 120 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $398/month cheaper in New Orleans, saving renters about $4,776/year.

Median household income is $22,560/year higher in Modesto. Home values also differ significantly — the median in New Orleans is $296,400 compared to $415,600 in Modesto.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

New Orleans vs Modesto — common questions

Is New Orleans or Modesto cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, New Orleans is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between New Orleans and Modesto?
Median rent in New Orleans is $1,211/month and in Modesto it's $1,609/month — a difference of $398/month.
Which city has higher income, New Orleans or Modesto?
Median household income is $55,339 in New Orleans and $77,899 in Modesto. Median household income is $22,560/year higher in Modesto.
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 Modesto?
It depends on your priorities. New Orleans has a cost index of 90 with median rent of $1,211/mo, while Modesto has a cost index of 120 with rent of $1,609/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View New Orleans details → View Modesto details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for New Orleans and Modesto

New Orleans vs. Aurora New Orleans vs. Cleveland New Orleans vs. Tampa New Orleans vs. Honolulu New Orleans vs. Arlington New Orleans vs. Anaheim Modesto vs. Huntsville Modesto vs. Des Moines Modesto vs. Spring Valley Modesto vs. Fontana Modesto vs. Port St. Lucie Modesto vs. Moreno Valley