Cost of Living: New Orleans, LA vs Newark, NJ (2026)

New Orleans

Louisiana
90
VS

Newark

New Jersey
100

New Orleans is 10% cheaper than Newark.

$1,211/mo ↓ 9%
Median Rent
$1,330/mo ↑ 10%
$55,339/yr ↑ 14%
Median Income
$48,416/yr ↓ 13%
$296,400 ↓ 12%
Home Value
$337,800 ↑ 14%
$1,274/mo ↓ 10%
Owner Costs
$1,419/mo ↑ 11%
376,035
Population
307,188

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
10.75%
4.45%
State Sales Tax
6.625%
0.55%
Property Tax
2.23%

Affordability

26.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
33.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing New Orleans, LA and Newark, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 90 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $119/month cheaper in New Orleans, saving renters about $1,428/year.

Median household income is $6,923/year higher in New Orleans. Home values also differ significantly — the median in New Orleans is $296,400 compared to $337,800 in Newark.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

New Orleans vs Newark — common questions

Is New Orleans or Newark cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, New Orleans is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between New Orleans and Newark?
Median rent in New Orleans is $1,211/month and in Newark it's $1,330/month — a difference of $119/month.
Which city has higher income, New Orleans or Newark?
Median household income is $55,339 in New Orleans and $48,416 in Newark. Median household income is $6,923/year higher in New Orleans.
How do taxes compare between Louisiana and New Jersey?
Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax. New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax.
Should I move to New Orleans or Newark?
It depends on your priorities. New Orleans has a cost index of 90 with median rent of $1,211/mo, while Newark has a cost index of 100 with rent of $1,330/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for New Orleans and Newark

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