Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
4% cheaper
New Orleans is 4% more affordable than Durham. A $75,000 salary in Durham is equivalent to $72,030 in New Orleans.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: North Carolina salaries · Louisiana salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Durham has a housing index of 104 while New Orleans sits at 95 (national average = 100). The median home in Durham costs $340,000 compared to $245,000 in New Orleans, a difference of $95,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Durham versus $1,200 in New Orleans.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Durham scores 100 while New Orleans scores 99. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Durham (108) are higher than New Orleans (94).
Median household income in Durham is $57,738 compared to $43,258 in New Orleans. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in New Orleans.
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