Cost of Living: New Orleans, LA vs Pittsburgh, PA (2026)

New Orleans

Louisiana
90
VS

Pittsburgh

Pennsylvania
76

New Orleans is 18% more expensive than Pittsburgh.

$1,211/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,221/mo ≈ Same
$55,339/yr ↓ 14%
Median Income
$64,137/yr ↑ 16%
$296,400 ↑ 53%
Home Value
$193,200 ↓ 35%
$1,274/mo ↑ 12%
Owner Costs
$1,136/mo ↓ 11%
376,035
Population
303,620

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
3.07%
4.45%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.55%
Property Tax
1.49%

Affordability

26.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing New Orleans, LA and Pittsburgh, PA, the overall cost of living indices are 90 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $8,798/year higher in Pittsburgh. Home values also differ significantly — the median in New Orleans is $296,400 compared to $193,200 in Pittsburgh.

Pennsylvania has a lower income tax rate, making Pittsburgh slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

New Orleans vs Pittsburgh — common questions

Is New Orleans or Pittsburgh cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Pittsburgh is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 90 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between New Orleans and Pittsburgh?
Median rent in New Orleans is $1,211/month and in Pittsburgh it's $1,221/month — a difference of $10/month.
Which city has higher income, New Orleans or Pittsburgh?
Median household income is $55,339 in New Orleans and $64,137 in Pittsburgh. Median household income is $8,798/year higher in Pittsburgh.
How do taxes compare between Louisiana and Pennsylvania?
Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax. Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax.
Should I move to New Orleans or Pittsburgh?
It depends on your priorities. New Orleans has a cost index of 90 with median rent of $1,211/mo, while Pittsburgh has a cost index of 76 with rent of $1,221/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View New Orleans details → View Pittsburgh details →

More Comparisons

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