Cost of Living: Philadelphia, PA vs New Orleans, LA (2026)

Philadelphia

Pennsylvania
85
VS

New Orleans

Louisiana
90

Philadelphia is 6% cheaper than New Orleans.

$1,323/mo ↑ 9%
Median Rent
$1,211/mo ↓ 8%
$60,698/yr ↑ 10%
Median Income
$55,339/yr ↓ 9%
$232,400 ↓ 22%
Home Value
$296,400 ↑ 28%
$1,233/mo ↓ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,274/mo ↑ 3%
1,582,432
Population
376,035

Tax Comparison

3.07%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
1.49%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

26.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Philadelphia, PA and New Orleans, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 85 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $112/month cheaper in New Orleans, saving renters about $1,344/year.

Median household income is $5,359/year higher in Philadelphia. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Philadelphia is $232,400 compared to $296,400 in New Orleans.

Pennsylvania has a lower income tax rate, making Philadelphia slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Philadelphia vs New Orleans — common questions

Is Philadelphia or New Orleans cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Philadelphia is cheaper to live in with an index of 85 compared to 90 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Philadelphia and New Orleans?
Median rent in Philadelphia is $1,323/month and in New Orleans it's $1,211/month — a difference of $112/month.
Which city has higher income, Philadelphia or New Orleans?
Median household income is $60,698 in Philadelphia and $55,339 in New Orleans. Median household income is $5,359/year higher in Philadelphia.
How do taxes compare between Pennsylvania and Louisiana?
Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Philadelphia or New Orleans?
It depends on your priorities. Philadelphia has a cost index of 85 with median rent of $1,323/mo, while New Orleans has a cost index of 90 with rent of $1,211/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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More Comparisons

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