Cost of Living: Seattle, WA vs New Orleans, LA (2026)

Seattle

Washington
196
VS

New Orleans

Louisiana
90

Seattle is 118% more expensive than New Orleans.

$1,998/mo ↑ 65%
Median Rent
$1,211/mo ↓ 39%
$121,984/yr ↑ 120%
Median Income
$55,339/yr ↓ 55%
$912,100 ↑ 208%
Home Value
$296,400 ↓ 68%
$2,220/mo ↑ 74%
Owner Costs
$1,274/mo ↓ 43%
741,440
Population
376,035

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

19.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Seattle, WA and New Orleans, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 196 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $787/month cheaper in New Orleans, saving renters about $9,444/year.

Median household income is $66,645/year higher in Seattle. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Seattle is $912,100 compared to $296,400 in New Orleans.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Seattle residents a significant tax advantage over Louisiana's 4.25% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Seattle vs New Orleans — common questions

Is Seattle 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 196 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Seattle and New Orleans?
Median rent in Seattle is $1,998/month and in New Orleans it's $1,211/month — a difference of $787/month.
Which city has higher income, Seattle or New Orleans?
Median household income is $121,984 in Seattle and $55,339 in New Orleans. Median household income is $66,645/year higher in Seattle.
How do taxes compare between Washington and Louisiana?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Seattle or New Orleans?
It depends on your priorities. Seattle has a cost index of 196 with median rent of $1,998/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

Other cost of living comparisons for Seattle and New Orleans

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