Cost of Living: New Orleans, LA vs Worcester, MA (2026)

New Orleans

Louisiana
90
VS

Worcester

Massachusetts
104

New Orleans is 13% cheaper than Worcester.

$1,211/mo ↓ 14%
Median Rent
$1,415/mo ↑ 17%
$55,339/yr ↓ 18%
Median Income
$67,544/yr ↑ 22%
$296,400 ↓ 13%
Home Value
$339,500 ↑ 15%
$1,274/mo ↓ 16%
Owner Costs
$1,521/mo ↑ 19%
376,035
Population
205,501

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
9.0%
4.45%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.55%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

26.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing New Orleans, LA and Worcester, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 90 and 104 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $204/month cheaper in New Orleans, saving renters about $2,448/year.

Median household income is $12,205/year higher in Worcester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in New Orleans is $296,400 compared to $339,500 in Worcester.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

New Orleans vs Worcester — common questions

Is New Orleans or Worcester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, New Orleans is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between New Orleans and Worcester?
Median rent in New Orleans is $1,211/month and in Worcester it's $1,415/month — a difference of $204/month.
Which city has higher income, New Orleans or Worcester?
Median household income is $55,339 in New Orleans and $67,544 in Worcester. Median household income is $12,205/year higher in Worcester.
How do taxes compare between Louisiana and Massachusetts?
Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to New Orleans or Worcester?
It depends on your priorities. New Orleans has a cost index of 90 with median rent of $1,211/mo, while Worcester has a cost index of 104 with rent of $1,415/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View New Orleans details → View Worcester details →

More Comparisons

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