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

New Orleans

Louisiana
90
VS

Orange

California
206

New Orleans is 56% cheaper than Orange.

$1,211/mo ↓ 46%
Median Rent
$2,252/mo ↑ 86%
$55,339/yr ↓ 53%
Median Income
$116,945/yr ↑ 111%
$296,400 ↓ 67%
Home Value
$900,700 ↑ 204%
$1,274/mo ↓ 47%
Owner Costs
$2,394/mo ↑ 88%
376,035
Population
138,723

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
23.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing New Orleans, LA and Orange, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 90 and 206 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,041/month cheaper in New Orleans, saving renters about $12,492/year.

Median household income is $61,606/year higher in Orange. Home values also differ significantly — the median in New Orleans is $296,400 compared to $900,700 in Orange.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

New Orleans vs Orange — common questions

Is New Orleans or Orange cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, New Orleans is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 206 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between New Orleans and Orange?
Median rent in New Orleans is $1,211/month and in Orange it's $2,252/month — a difference of $1,041/month.
Which city has higher income, New Orleans or Orange?
Median household income is $55,339 in New Orleans and $116,945 in Orange. Median household income is $61,606/year higher in Orange.
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 Orange?
It depends on your priorities. New Orleans has a cost index of 90 with median rent of $1,211/mo, while Orange has a cost index of 206 with rent of $2,252/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View New Orleans details → View Orange details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for New Orleans and Orange

New Orleans vs. Aurora New Orleans vs. Cleveland New Orleans vs. Tampa New Orleans vs. Honolulu New Orleans vs. Arlington New Orleans vs. Anaheim Orange vs. Metairie Orange vs. Warren Orange vs. Fullerton Orange vs. Columbia Orange vs. Waco Orange vs. West Valley City