Cost of Living: New Orleans, LA vs Spokane, WA (2026)

New Orleans

Louisiana
90
VS

Spokane

Washington
90

New Orleans and Spokane have a similar cost of living.

$1,211/mo ↑ 6%
Median Rent
$1,141/mo ↓ 6%
$55,339/yr ↓ 16%
Median Income
$65,745/yr ↑ 19%
$296,400 ↓ 9%
Home Value
$326,200 ↑ 10%
$1,274/mo ↑ 5%
Owner Costs
$1,213/mo ↓ 5%
376,035
Population
229,228

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
0%
4.45%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.55%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

26.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing New Orleans, LA and Spokane, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 90 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $70/month cheaper in Spokane, saving renters about $840/year.

Median household income is $10,406/year higher in Spokane. Home values also differ significantly — the median in New Orleans is $296,400 compared to $326,200 in Spokane.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Spokane residents a significant tax advantage over Louisiana's 4.25% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

New Orleans vs Spokane — common questions

Is New Orleans or Spokane cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Spokane is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 90 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between New Orleans and Spokane?
Median rent in New Orleans is $1,211/month and in Spokane it's $1,141/month — a difference of $70/month.
Which city has higher income, New Orleans or Spokane?
Median household income is $55,339 in New Orleans and $65,745 in Spokane. Median household income is $10,406/year higher in Spokane.
How do taxes compare between Louisiana and Washington?
Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to New Orleans or Spokane?
It depends on your priorities. New Orleans has a cost index of 90 with median rent of $1,211/mo, while Spokane has a cost index of 90 with rent of $1,141/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View New Orleans details → View Spokane details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for New Orleans and Spokane

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