Median rent is 38% lower in New Orleans ($1,251/mo vs $2,030/mo). Buying is cheaper in New Orleans, where the median home runs $315,700 versus $938,600. Households earn more in Seattle ($123,860 vs $56,631 a year). Taken together, New Orleans is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 91.2 against 112.7 — about 19% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Seattle, WA.
Cost of living verdict
New Orleans is 19% cheaper overall
Cost of Living Index: 91.2 in New Orleans vs 112.7 in Seattle (US national average = 100)
City A
New Orleans, LA
City B
Seattle, WA
How much would you need to earn in Seattle, WA to maintain your standard of living from New Orleans, LA?
Equivalent salary in Seattle, WA
$92,713
You'd need $17,713 more (24% higher).
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each metro area. This estimates overall purchasing power; it does not account for taxes or take-home pay differences.
Metric
New Orleans
Louisiana
Seattle
Washington
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: Census ACS, BEA, HUD Fair Market Rents, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Renters will find significantly cheaper housing in New Orleans — median rent of $1,251/mo versus $2,030/mo in Seattle, a 38% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Seattle: the median home is $938,600 versus $315,700 in New Orleans — 66% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
State tax data is not yet available for these cities.
New Orleans
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
Seattle
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
Both cities have similar air quality: New Orleans averages 52.0 AQI (Moderate) and Seattle averages 52.0 AQI (Moderate).
Pick New Orleans if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 91.2 vs 112.7).
Pick Seattle if you prioritize higher median household income ($123,860/yr).
Pick New Orleans if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,251/mo median).
Is New Orleans cheaper than Seattle?
New Orleans is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 91.2 versus 112.7 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 19% lower in New Orleans.
How much is rent in New Orleans vs Seattle?
Median rent is $1,251/mo in New Orleans, LA and $2,030/mo in Seattle, WA. New Orleans, LA has the lower rent by about 38%.
Which has higher salaries — New Orleans or Seattle?
Median household income is $56,631 in New Orleans, LA and $123,860 in Seattle, WA. Seattle, WA 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?
Seattle, WA has better air quality on average: 52.0 AQI versus 52.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — New Orleans or Seattle?
State tax data is not yet available for one or both cities.
What salary do I need in Seattle 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 $123,617 in Seattle, WA (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2026 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology
