Cost of Living: Sacramento, CA vs New Orleans, LA (2026)

Sacramento

California
132
VS

New Orleans

Louisiana
90

Sacramento is 47% more expensive than New Orleans.

$1,694/mo ↑ 40%
Median Rent
$1,211/mo ↓ 29%
$83,753/yr ↑ 51%
Median Income
$55,339/yr ↓ 34%
$484,600 ↑ 63%
Home Value
$296,400 ↓ 39%
$1,752/mo ↑ 38%
Owner Costs
$1,274/mo ↓ 27%
524,802
Population
376,035

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.25%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

24.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sacramento, CA and New Orleans, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $483/month cheaper in New Orleans, saving renters about $5,796/year.

Median household income is $28,414/year higher in Sacramento. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sacramento is $484,600 compared to $296,400 in New Orleans.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Sacramento vs New Orleans — common questions

Is Sacramento 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 132 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sacramento and New Orleans?
Median rent in Sacramento is $1,694/month and in New Orleans it's $1,211/month — a difference of $483/month.
Which city has higher income, Sacramento or New Orleans?
Median household income is $83,753 in Sacramento and $55,339 in New Orleans. Median household income is $28,414/year higher in Sacramento.
How do taxes compare between California and Louisiana?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Sacramento or New Orleans?
It depends on your priorities. Sacramento has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,694/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 Sacramento details → View New Orleans details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Sacramento and New Orleans

Sacramento vs. Tucson Sacramento vs. Kansas City Sacramento vs. Fresno Sacramento vs. Mesa Sacramento vs. Albuquerque Sacramento vs. Atlanta New Orleans vs. Aurora New Orleans vs. Cleveland New Orleans vs. Tampa New Orleans vs. Honolulu New Orleans vs. Arlington New Orleans vs. Anaheim