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

New Orleans

Louisiana
90
VS

Riverside

California
144

New Orleans is 38% cheaper than Riverside.

$1,211/mo ↓ 33%
Median Rent
$1,812/mo ↑ 50%
$55,339/yr ↓ 38%
Median Income
$88,575/yr ↑ 60%
$296,400 ↓ 45%
Home Value
$542,100 ↑ 83%
$1,274/mo ↓ 32%
Owner Costs
$1,880/mo ↑ 48%
376,035
Population
316,241

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
24.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing New Orleans, LA and Riverside, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 90 and 144 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $601/month cheaper in New Orleans, saving renters about $7,212/year.

Median household income is $33,236/year higher in Riverside. Home values also differ significantly — the median in New Orleans is $296,400 compared to $542,100 in Riverside.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

New Orleans vs Riverside — common questions

Is New Orleans or Riverside cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, New Orleans is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 144 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between New Orleans and Riverside?
Median rent in New Orleans is $1,211/month and in Riverside it's $1,812/month — a difference of $601/month.
Which city has higher income, New Orleans or Riverside?
Median household income is $55,339 in New Orleans and $88,575 in Riverside. Median household income is $33,236/year higher in Riverside.
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 Riverside?
It depends on your priorities. New Orleans has a cost index of 90 with median rent of $1,211/mo, while Riverside has a cost index of 144 with rent of $1,812/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View New Orleans details → View Riverside details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for New Orleans and Riverside

New Orleans vs. Aurora New Orleans vs. Cleveland New Orleans vs. Tampa New Orleans vs. Honolulu New Orleans vs. Arlington New Orleans vs. Anaheim Riverside vs. Corpus Christi Riverside vs. Orlando Riverside vs. Stockton Riverside vs. Santa Ana Riverside vs. Lexington Riverside vs. Cincinnati