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

New Orleans

Louisiana
90
VS

San Bernardino

California
109

New Orleans is 17% cheaper than San Bernardino.

$1,211/mo ↓ 15%
Median Rent
$1,433/mo ↑ 18%
$55,339/yr ↓ 14%
Median Income
$63,988/yr ↑ 16%
$296,400 ↓ 23%
Home Value
$384,900 ↑ 30%
$1,274/mo ↓ 14%
Owner Costs
$1,478/mo ↑ 16%
376,035
Population
221,774

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
26.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing New Orleans, LA and San Bernardino, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 90 and 109 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $222/month cheaper in New Orleans, saving renters about $2,664/year.

Median household income is $8,649/year higher in San Bernardino. Home values also differ significantly — the median in New Orleans is $296,400 compared to $384,900 in San Bernardino.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

New Orleans vs San Bernardino — common questions

Is New Orleans or San Bernardino cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, New Orleans is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 109 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between New Orleans and San Bernardino?
Median rent in New Orleans is $1,211/month and in San Bernardino it's $1,433/month — a difference of $222/month.
Which city has higher income, New Orleans or San Bernardino?
Median household income is $55,339 in New Orleans and $63,988 in San Bernardino. Median household income is $8,649/year higher in San Bernardino.
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 San Bernardino?
It depends on your priorities. New Orleans has a cost index of 90 with median rent of $1,211/mo, while San Bernardino has a cost index of 109 with rent of $1,433/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View New Orleans details → View San Bernardino details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for New Orleans and San Bernardino

New Orleans vs. Aurora New Orleans vs. Cleveland New Orleans vs. Tampa New Orleans vs. Honolulu New Orleans vs. Arlington New Orleans vs. Anaheim San Bernardino vs. Hialeah San Bernardino vs. Tacoma San Bernardino vs. Baton Rouge San Bernardino vs. Port St. Lucie San Bernardino vs. Richmond San Bernardino vs. Spring Valley