Median rent is 1% lower in New Orleans ($1,211/mo vs $1,221/mo). Buying is cheaper in Pittsburgh, where the median home runs $193,200 versus $296,400. Households earn more in Pittsburgh ($64,137 vs $55,339 a year). Taken together, Pittsburgh is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 93.7 against 93.7 — about 0% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Pittsburgh, PA.
City A
New Orleans, LA
City B
Pittsburgh, PA
How much would you need to earn in Pittsburgh, PA to maintain your standard of living from New Orleans, LA?
Equivalent salary in Pittsburgh, PA
$74,992
You could earn $8 less (0% 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
New Orleans
Louisiana
Pittsburgh
Pennsylvania
👥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
Median rents are similar in both cities: $1,211/mo in New Orleans and $1,221/mo in Pittsburgh. Home buyers face a steeper market in New Orleans: the median home is $296,400 versus $193,200 in Pittsburgh — 35% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Louisiana's top income tax rate is 4.25% versus 3.07% in Pennsylvania, so Pittsburgh is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 4.45% in Louisiana and 6.00% in Pennsylvania; New Orleans has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
New Orleans
Income tax: 4.25%
Sales tax: 4.45%
Pittsburgh
Income tax: 3.07%
Sales tax: 6.00%
Pittsburgh has cleaner air on average: 29.0 AQI (Good) compared to 52.0 AQI (Moderate) in the other city. Lower AQI means cleaner, healthier air.
Pick Pittsburgh if you prioritize higher median household income ($64,137/yr).
Pick Pittsburgh if you prioritize cleaner air quality (avg AQI 29.0).
Pick Pittsburgh if you prioritize lower state income tax (3.07%).
Is New Orleans cheaper than Pittsburgh?
Pittsburgh is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 93.7 versus 93.7 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 0% lower in Pittsburgh.
How much is rent in New Orleans vs Pittsburgh?
Median rent is $1,211/mo in New Orleans, LA and $1,221/mo in Pittsburgh, PA. New Orleans, LA has the lower rent by about 1%.
Which has higher salaries — New Orleans or Pittsburgh?
Median household income is $55,339 in New Orleans, LA and $64,137 in Pittsburgh, PA. Pittsburgh, PA 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?
Pittsburgh, PA has better air quality on average: 29.0 AQI versus 52.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — New Orleans or Pittsburgh?
Louisiana's top income tax rate is 4.25% and Pennsylvania's is 3.07%. Pittsburgh, PA has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Pittsburgh to match my New Orleans income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in New Orleans, LA is equivalent to roughly $99,989 in Pittsburgh, PA (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