Cost of Living: Raleigh, NC vs New Orleans, LA (2026)

Raleigh

North Carolina
110
VS

New Orleans

Louisiana
90

Raleigh is 22% more expensive than New Orleans.

$1,468/mo ↑ 21%
Median Rent
$1,211/mo ↓ 18%
$82,424/yr ↑ 49%
Median Income
$55,339/yr ↓ 33%
$377,800 ↑ 27%
Home Value
$296,400 ↓ 22%
$1,487/mo ↑ 17%
Owner Costs
$1,274/mo ↓ 14%
470,763
Population
376,035

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
4.25%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Raleigh, NC and New Orleans, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $257/month cheaper in New Orleans, saving renters about $3,084/year.

Median household income is $27,085/year higher in Raleigh. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Raleigh is $377,800 compared to $296,400 in New Orleans.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Raleigh vs New Orleans — common questions

Is Raleigh 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 110 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Raleigh and New Orleans?
Median rent in Raleigh is $1,468/month and in New Orleans it's $1,211/month — a difference of $257/month.
Which city has higher income, Raleigh or New Orleans?
Median household income is $82,424 in Raleigh and $55,339 in New Orleans. Median household income is $27,085/year higher in Raleigh.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Louisiana?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Raleigh or New Orleans?
It depends on your priorities. Raleigh has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,468/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 Raleigh details → View New Orleans details →

More Comparisons

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