Cost of Living: Portland, OR vs New Orleans, LA (2026)

Portland

Oregon
138
VS

New Orleans

Louisiana
90

Portland is 53% more expensive than New Orleans.

$1,596/mo ↑ 32%
Median Rent
$1,211/mo ↓ 24%
$88,792/yr ↑ 60%
Median Income
$55,339/yr ↓ 38%
$557,600 ↑ 88%
Home Value
$296,400 ↓ 47%
$1,771/mo ↑ 39%
Owner Costs
$1,274/mo ↓ 28%
642,715
Population
376,035

Tax Comparison

9.9%
Income Tax
4.25%
0%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
0.93%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

21.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Portland, OR and New Orleans, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 138 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $385/month cheaper in New Orleans, saving renters about $4,620/year.

Median household income is $33,453/year higher in Portland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Portland is $557,600 compared to $296,400 in New Orleans.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Portland vs New Orleans — common questions

Is Portland or New Orleans cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, New Orleans is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Portland and New Orleans?
Median rent in Portland is $1,596/month and in New Orleans it's $1,211/month — a difference of $385/month.
Which city has higher income, Portland or New Orleans?
Median household income is $88,792 in Portland and $55,339 in New Orleans. Median household income is $33,453/year higher in Portland.
How do taxes compare between Oregon and Louisiana?
Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Portland or New Orleans?
It depends on your priorities. Portland has a cost index of 138 with median rent of $1,596/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.
View Portland details → View New Orleans details →

More Comparisons

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