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

New Orleans

Louisiana
90
VS

Paterson

New Jersey
106

New Orleans is 15% cheaper than Paterson.

$1,211/mo ↓ 17%
Median Rent
$1,457/mo ↑ 20%
$55,339/yr ↑ 3%
Median Income
$53,766/yr ↓ 3%
$296,400 ↓ 12%
Home Value
$335,400 ↑ 13%
$1,274/mo ↓ 18%
Owner Costs
$1,553/mo ↑ 22%
376,035
Population
157,660

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
32.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing New Orleans, LA and Paterson, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 90 and 106 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $246/month cheaper in New Orleans, saving renters about $2,952/year.

Median household income is $1,573/year higher in New Orleans. Home values also differ significantly — the median in New Orleans is $296,400 compared to $335,400 in Paterson.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

New Orleans vs Paterson — common questions

Is New Orleans or Paterson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, New Orleans is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 106 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between New Orleans and Paterson?
Median rent in New Orleans is $1,211/month and in Paterson it's $1,457/month — a difference of $246/month.
Which city has higher income, New Orleans or Paterson?
Median household income is $55,339 in New Orleans and $53,766 in Paterson. Median household income is $1,573/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 Paterson?
It depends on your priorities. New Orleans has a cost index of 90 with median rent of $1,211/mo, while Paterson has a cost index of 106 with rent of $1,457/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View New Orleans details → View Paterson details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for New Orleans and Paterson

New Orleans vs. Aurora New Orleans vs. Cleveland New Orleans vs. Tampa New Orleans vs. Honolulu New Orleans vs. Arlington New Orleans vs. Anaheim Paterson vs. Corona Paterson vs. Murfreesboro Paterson vs. Hayward Paterson vs. Alexandria Paterson vs. Salinas Paterson vs. Macon