Median rent is 36% lower in New Orleans ($1,211/mo vs $1,879/mo). Buying is cheaper in New Orleans, where the median home runs $296,400 versus $879,500. Households earn more in Los Angeles ($80,366 vs $55,339 a year). Taken together, New Orleans is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 93.7 against 113.3 — about 17% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Los Angeles, CA.
Quick verdict
New Orleans is 17% cheaper overall
Cost index: 93.7 in New Orleans vs 113.3 in Los Angeles (US average = 100)
City A
Los Angeles, CA
City B
New Orleans, LA
How much would you need to earn in New Orleans, LA to maintain your standard of living from Los Angeles, CA?
Equivalent salary in New Orleans, LA
$62,046
You could earn $12,954 less (17% lower) and break even.
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each city's metro area. A rough estimate of overall purchasing power, not tax or take-home pay.
Metric
Los Angeles
California
New Orleans
Louisiana
👥Population
💰Median Household Income
Annual
🏠Median Gross Rent
Per month
🏡Median Home Value
📊Cost of Living Index
US avg = 100
🔑1BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑2BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑3BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🌬️Air Quality Index
Lower = cleaner
🏛️Top State Income Tax
Top marginal rate
🧾State Sales Tax
Statewide base rate
🎂Median Age
Years
✓ = better value · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Renters will find significantly cheaper housing in New Orleans — median rent of $1,211/mo versus $1,879/mo in Los Angeles, a 36% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Los Angeles: the median home is $879,500 versus $296,400 in New Orleans — 66% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
California's top income tax rate is 13.30% versus 4.25% in Louisiana, so New Orleans is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 7.25% in California and 4.45% in Louisiana; New Orleans has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Los Angeles
Income tax: 13.30%
Sales tax: 7.25%
New Orleans
Income tax: 4.25%
Sales tax: 4.45%
New Orleans has cleaner air on average: 52.0 AQI (Moderate) compared to 77.0 AQI (Moderate) in the other city. Lower AQI means cleaner, healthier air.
Pick New Orleans if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 93.7 vs 113.3).
Pick Los Angeles if you prioritize higher median household income ($80,366/yr).
Pick New Orleans if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,211/mo median).
Pick New Orleans if you prioritize cleaner air quality (avg AQI 52.0).
Is Los Angeles cheaper than New Orleans?
New Orleans is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 93.7 versus 113.3 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 17% lower in New Orleans.
How much is rent in Los Angeles vs New Orleans?
Median rent is $1,879/mo in Los Angeles, CA and $1,211/mo in New Orleans, LA. New Orleans, LA has the lower rent by about 36%.
Which has higher salaries — Los Angeles or New Orleans?
Median household income is $80,366 in Los Angeles, CA and $55,339 in New Orleans, LA. Los Angeles, CA has the higher median income. Note that BLS occupational wages in the table above show wages for specific jobs.
Which city has better air quality?
New Orleans, LA has better air quality on average: 52.0 AQI versus 77.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Los Angeles or New Orleans?
California's top income tax rate is 13.30% and Louisiana's is 4.25%. New Orleans, LA has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in New Orleans to match my Los Angeles income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Los Angeles, CA is equivalent to roughly $82,728 in New Orleans, LA (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology