Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
24% cheaper
New Orleans is 24% more affordable than Riverside. A $75,000 salary in Riverside is equivalent to $56,836 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 Riverside sits at 155 (national average = 100). The median home in New Orleans costs $245,000 compared to $500,000 in Riverside, a difference of $255,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,200 in New Orleans versus $1,800 in Riverside.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: New Orleans scores 99 while Riverside scores 103. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in New Orleans (94) are lower than Riverside (102). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in New Orleans is $43,258 compared to $67,068 in Riverside. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in New Orleans.
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