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

New Orleans

Louisiana
90
VS

Stockton

California
115

New Orleans is 22% cheaper than Stockton.

$1,211/mo ↓ 19%
Median Rent
$1,495/mo ↑ 23%
$55,339/yr ↓ 28%
Median Income
$76,851/yr ↑ 39%
$296,400 ↓ 28%
Home Value
$412,900 ↑ 39%
$1,274/mo ↓ 18%
Owner Costs
$1,555/mo ↑ 22%
376,035
Population
320,470

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
23.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing New Orleans, LA and Stockton, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 90 and 115 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $284/month cheaper in New Orleans, saving renters about $3,408/year.

Median household income is $21,512/year higher in Stockton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in New Orleans is $296,400 compared to $412,900 in Stockton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

New Orleans vs Stockton — common questions

Is New Orleans or Stockton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, New Orleans is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 115 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between New Orleans and Stockton?
Median rent in New Orleans is $1,211/month and in Stockton it's $1,495/month — a difference of $284/month.
Which city has higher income, New Orleans or Stockton?
Median household income is $55,339 in New Orleans and $76,851 in Stockton. Median household income is $21,512/year higher in Stockton.
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 Stockton?
It depends on your priorities. New Orleans has a cost index of 90 with median rent of $1,211/mo, while Stockton has a cost index of 115 with rent of $1,495/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View New Orleans details → View Stockton details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for New Orleans and Stockton

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