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Cost of Living: Los Angeles, CA vs New Orleans, LA

A data-driven comparison of housing, groceries, transportation, taxes, job market and more. See which city gives you more for your money.

27.9% New Orleans, LA is cheaper overall
42.7% 42.7% cheaper housing
9.1% 9.1% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 42.7% cheaper
Los Angeles
178
New Orleans
102
🛒 Groceries 9.1% cheaper
Los Angeles
110
New Orleans
100
🚗 Transportation 20.0% cheaper
Los Angeles
125
New Orleans
100
🏥 Healthcare 14.3% cheaper
Los Angeles
112
New Orleans
96
⚡ Utilities ~Same
Los Angeles
105
New Orleans
104

Detailed Breakdown

Category Los Angeles, CA New Orleans, LA Difference
Overall Cost Index1369827.9% less
Housing17810242.7% less
Median 1BR Rent$2,500$1,25050.0% less
Median Home Price$880,000$270,00069.3% less
Groceries1101009.1% less
Transportation12510020.0% less
Healthcare1129614.3% less
Utilities105104~Same

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Los Angeles, CA New Orleans, LA
State Income Tax13.30% (top)4.25%
State Sales Tax7.25%4.45%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.71%0.55%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Los Angeles, CA
$95,000
Median household income
New Orleans, LA
$52,000
Median household income
⚠️ Heads up: New Orleans costs more but median income is lower. You may need to earn more to maintain the same standard of living.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

Find out what you'd need to earn in New Orleans to maintain your Los Angeles lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Los Angeles (136) vs New Orleans (98). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Los Angeles5.4%
New Orleans4.8%
Job Growth (YoY)
Los Angeles2.5%
New Orleans2.0%
Top Industries
Los AngelesEntertainment, Tech, Healthcare
New OrleansTourism, Energy, Port/Shipping

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Los Angeles33 min
New Orleans26 min
Walk Score
Los Angeles67
New Orleans57
Air Quality (AQI)
Los Angeles62
New Orleans42
Avg Temperature
Los Angeles66°F
New Orleans69°F
Population
Los Angeles3,898,747
New Orleans383,997

Moving from Los Angeles to New Orleans?

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Planning Your Move?

Here are some helpful resources if you're considering relocating.

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Los Angeles and New Orleans → 🚚 Get Moving QuotesCompare prices from top movers → 📈 Check Home ValuesSee real estate trends in both cities → 💼 Search JobsFind open positions in New Orleans →

Compare Other Cities

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Los Angeles or New Orleans cheaper to live in?+
New Orleans is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 42.7%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Los Angeles vs New Orleans?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $2,500/month in Los Angeles and $1,250/month in New Orleans — a difference of about $1,250 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Los Angeles or New Orleans?+
California has a state income tax of 13.30% (top) and sales tax of 7.25%. Louisiana has a state income tax of 4.25% and sales tax of 4.45%. Consider all tax types together when evaluating total tax burden, as states with no income tax often compensate with higher sales or property taxes.
Can I afford to move from Los Angeles to New Orleans?+
Median household income in Los Angeles is $95,000 compared to $52,000 in New Orleans. Use the salary calculator above to see what you'd need to earn to maintain your current standard of living.
What about buying a home in Los Angeles vs New Orleans?+
The median home price in Los Angeles is $880,000 versus $270,000 in New Orleans — a difference of $610,000. Property tax rates also differ: California averages 0.71% while Louisiana averages 0.55%.