Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
41% cheaper
New Orleans is 41% more affordable than Oakland. A $75,000 salary in Oakland is equivalent to $44,091 in New Orleans.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Louisiana salaries · California salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. New Orleans has a housing index of 95 while Oakland sits at 264 (national average = 100). The median home in New Orleans costs $245,000 compared to $780,000 in Oakland, a difference of $535,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,200 in New Orleans versus $2,700 in Oakland.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: New Orleans scores 99 while Oakland scores 109.
Healthcare costs in New Orleans (94) are lower than Oakland (113).
Median household income in New Orleans is $43,258 compared to $73,692 in Oakland. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in New Orleans.
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