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Cost of Living: Raleigh, NC 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.

0.0% New Orleans, LA is cheaper overall
1.9% 1.9% cheaper housing
3.1% 3.1% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing ~Same
Raleigh
104
New Orleans
102
🛒 Groceries 3.1% more
Raleigh
97
New Orleans
100
🚗 Transportation 4.2% more
Raleigh
96
New Orleans
100
🏥 Healthcare 4.0% cheaper
Raleigh
100
New Orleans
96
⚡ Utilities 6.1% more
Raleigh
98
New Orleans
104

Detailed Breakdown

Category Raleigh, NC New Orleans, LA Difference
Overall Cost Index9898~Same
Housing104102~Same
Median 1BR Rent$1,350$1,2507.4% less
Median Home Price$385,000$270,00029.9% less
Groceries971003.1% more
Transportation961004.2% more
Healthcare100964.0% less
Utilities981046.1% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Raleigh, NC New Orleans, LA
State Income Tax4.50%4.25%
State Sales Tax4.75%4.45%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.70%0.55%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Raleigh, NC
$78,000
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 Raleigh lifestyle.

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

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Raleigh3.1%
New Orleans4.8%
Job Growth (YoY)
Raleigh3.9%
New Orleans2.0%
Top Industries
RaleighTech, Biotech, Education
New OrleansTourism, Energy, Port/Shipping

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Raleigh24 min
New Orleans26 min
Walk Score
Raleigh30
New Orleans57
Air Quality (AQI)
Raleigh35
New Orleans42
Avg Temperature
Raleigh60°F
New Orleans69°F
Population
Raleigh469,698
New Orleans383,997

Moving from Raleigh to New Orleans?

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Raleigh 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

Raleigh vs Austin → Raleigh vs Denver → Raleigh vs Nashville → New Orleans vs Portland → New Orleans vs Phoenix → New Orleans vs Chicago →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Raleigh 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 1.9%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Raleigh vs New Orleans?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,350/month in Raleigh and $1,250/month in New Orleans — a difference of about $100 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Raleigh or New Orleans?+
North Carolina has a state income tax of 4.50% and sales tax of 4.75%. 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 Raleigh to New Orleans?+
Median household income in Raleigh is $78,000 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 Raleigh vs New Orleans?+
The median home price in Raleigh is $385,000 versus $270,000 in New Orleans — a difference of $115,000. Property tax rates also differ: North Carolina averages 0.70% while Louisiana averages 0.55%.