Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
12% cheaper
New Orleans is 12% more affordable than Charleston. A $75,000 salary in Charleston is equivalent to $66,136 in New Orleans.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: South Carolina salaries · Louisiana salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Charleston has a housing index of 127 while New Orleans sits at 95 (national average = 100). The median home in Charleston costs $380,000 compared to $245,000 in New Orleans, a difference of $135,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,600 in Charleston versus $1,200 in New Orleans.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Charleston scores 102 while New Orleans scores 99. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Charleston (104) are higher than New Orleans (94). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Charleston is $65,872 compared to $43,258 in New Orleans. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in New Orleans.
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