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

New Orleans

Louisiana
90
VS

Ontario

California
152

New Orleans is 41% cheaper than Ontario.

$1,211/mo ↓ 37%
Median Rent
$1,916/mo ↑ 58%
$55,339/yr ↓ 33%
Median Income
$82,806/yr ↑ 50%
$296,400 ↓ 48%
Home Value
$568,000 ↑ 92%
$1,274/mo ↓ 35%
Owner Costs
$1,967/mo ↑ 54%
376,035
Population
178,347

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
27.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing New Orleans, LA and Ontario, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 90 and 152 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $705/month cheaper in New Orleans, saving renters about $8,460/year.

Median household income is $27,467/year higher in Ontario. Home values also differ significantly — the median in New Orleans is $296,400 compared to $568,000 in Ontario.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

New Orleans vs Ontario — common questions

Is New Orleans or Ontario cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, New Orleans is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 152 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between New Orleans and Ontario?
Median rent in New Orleans is $1,211/month and in Ontario it's $1,916/month — a difference of $705/month.
Which city has higher income, New Orleans or Ontario?
Median household income is $55,339 in New Orleans and $82,806 in Ontario. Median household income is $27,467/year higher in Ontario.
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 Ontario?
It depends on your priorities. New Orleans has a cost index of 90 with median rent of $1,211/mo, while Ontario has a cost index of 152 with rent of $1,916/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View New Orleans details → View Ontario details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for New Orleans and Ontario

New Orleans vs. Aurora New Orleans vs. Cleveland New Orleans vs. Tampa New Orleans vs. Honolulu New Orleans vs. Arlington New Orleans vs. Anaheim Ontario vs. Aurora Ontario vs. Eugene Ontario vs. Chattanooga Ontario vs. Elk Grove Ontario vs. Fort Lauderdale Ontario vs. Santa Rosa