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

New Orleans

Louisiana
90
VS

Tacoma

Washington
126

New Orleans is 29% cheaper than Tacoma.

$1,211/mo ↓ 24%
Median Rent
$1,597/mo ↑ 32%
$55,339/yr ↓ 34%
Median Income
$83,857/yr ↑ 52%
$296,400 ↓ 35%
Home Value
$454,600 ↑ 53%
$1,274/mo ↓ 27%
Owner Costs
$1,747/mo ↑ 37%
376,035
Population
220,482

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
22.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing New Orleans, LA and Tacoma, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 90 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $386/month cheaper in New Orleans, saving renters about $4,632/year.

Median household income is $28,518/year higher in Tacoma. Home values also differ significantly — the median in New Orleans is $296,400 compared to $454,600 in Tacoma.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

New Orleans vs Tacoma — common questions

Is New Orleans or Tacoma cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, New Orleans is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between New Orleans and Tacoma?
Median rent in New Orleans is $1,211/month and in Tacoma it's $1,597/month — a difference of $386/month.
Which city has higher income, New Orleans or Tacoma?
Median household income is $55,339 in New Orleans and $83,857 in Tacoma. Median household income is $28,518/year higher in Tacoma.
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 Tacoma?
It depends on your priorities. New Orleans has a cost index of 90 with median rent of $1,211/mo, while Tacoma has a cost index of 126 with rent of $1,597/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View New Orleans details → View Tacoma details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for New Orleans and Tacoma

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