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

New Orleans

Louisiana
90
VS

Pasadena

California
220

New Orleans is 59% cheaper than Pasadena.

$1,211/mo ↓ 45%
Median Rent
$2,218/mo ↑ 83%
$55,339/yr ↓ 47%
Median Income
$103,778/yr ↑ 88%
$296,400 ↓ 72%
Home Value
$1,045,000 ↑ 253%
$1,274/mo ↓ 46%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 84%
376,035
Population
136,462

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
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing New Orleans, LA and Pasadena, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 90 and 220 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,007/month cheaper in New Orleans, saving renters about $12,084/year.

Median household income is $48,439/year higher in Pasadena. Home values also differ significantly — the median in New Orleans is $296,400 compared to $1,045,000 in Pasadena.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

New Orleans vs Pasadena — common questions

Is New Orleans or Pasadena cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, New Orleans is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 220 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between New Orleans and Pasadena?
Median rent in New Orleans is $1,211/month and in Pasadena it's $2,218/month — a difference of $1,007/month.
Which city has higher income, New Orleans or Pasadena?
Median household income is $55,339 in New Orleans and $103,778 in Pasadena. Median household income is $48,439/year higher in Pasadena.
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 Pasadena?
It depends on your priorities. New Orleans has a cost index of 90 with median rent of $1,211/mo, while Pasadena has a cost index of 220 with rent of $2,218/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View New Orleans details → View Pasadena details →

More Comparisons

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