Cost of Living: New Orleans, LA vs Salem, OR (2026)

New Orleans

Louisiana
90
VS

Salem

Oregon
105

New Orleans is 14% cheaper than Salem.

$1,211/mo ↓ 8%
Median Rent
$1,323/mo ↑ 9%
$55,339/yr ↓ 23%
Median Income
$71,900/yr ↑ 30%
$296,400 ↓ 22%
Home Value
$382,400 ↑ 29%
$1,274/mo ↓ 12%
Owner Costs
$1,440/mo ↑ 13%
376,035
Population
176,666

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
9.9%
4.45%
State Sales Tax
0%
0.55%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

26.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing New Orleans, LA and Salem, OR, the overall cost of living indices are 90 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $112/month cheaper in New Orleans, saving renters about $1,344/year.

Median household income is $16,561/year higher in Salem. Home values also differ significantly — the median in New Orleans is $296,400 compared to $382,400 in Salem.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

New Orleans vs Salem — common questions

Is New Orleans or Salem cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, New Orleans is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between New Orleans and Salem?
Median rent in New Orleans is $1,211/month and in Salem it's $1,323/month — a difference of $112/month.
Which city has higher income, New Orleans or Salem?
Median household income is $55,339 in New Orleans and $71,900 in Salem. Median household income is $16,561/year higher in Salem.
How do taxes compare between Louisiana and Oregon?
Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax. Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to New Orleans or Salem?
It depends on your priorities. New Orleans has a cost index of 90 with median rent of $1,211/mo, while Salem has a cost index of 105 with rent of $1,323/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View New Orleans details → View Salem details →

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