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

New Orleans

Louisiana
90
VS

Santa Maria

California
137

New Orleans is 34% cheaper than Santa Maria.

$1,211/mo ↓ 34%
Median Rent
$1,842/mo ↑ 52%
$55,339/yr ↓ 35%
Median Income
$84,617/yr ↑ 53%
$296,400 ↓ 38%
Home Value
$478,200 ↑ 61%
$1,274/mo ↓ 29%
Owner Costs
$1,789/mo ↑ 40%
376,035
Population
109,880

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
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing New Orleans, LA and Santa Maria, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 90 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $631/month cheaper in New Orleans, saving renters about $7,572/year.

Median household income is $29,278/year higher in Santa Maria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in New Orleans is $296,400 compared to $478,200 in Santa Maria.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

New Orleans vs Santa Maria — common questions

Is New Orleans or Santa Maria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, New Orleans is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between New Orleans and Santa Maria?
Median rent in New Orleans is $1,211/month and in Santa Maria it's $1,842/month — a difference of $631/month.
Which city has higher income, New Orleans or Santa Maria?
Median household income is $55,339 in New Orleans and $84,617 in Santa Maria. Median household income is $29,278/year higher in Santa Maria.
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 Santa Maria?
It depends on your priorities. New Orleans has a cost index of 90 with median rent of $1,211/mo, while Santa Maria has a cost index of 137 with rent of $1,842/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View New Orleans details → View Santa Maria details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for New Orleans and Santa Maria

New Orleans vs. Aurora New Orleans vs. Cleveland New Orleans vs. Tampa New Orleans vs. Honolulu New Orleans vs. Arlington New Orleans vs. Anaheim Santa Maria vs. Ventura Santa Maria vs. Sugar Land Santa Maria vs. Temecula Santa Maria vs. Greeley Santa Maria vs. Costa Mesa Santa Maria vs. South Fulton