Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
3% cheaper
Rochester is 3% more affordable than New Orleans. A $75,000 salary in New Orleans is equivalent to $72,680 in Rochester.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Louisiana salaries · New York salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. New Orleans has a housing index of 95 while Rochester sits at 73 (national average = 100). The median home in New Orleans costs $245,000 compared to $155,000 in Rochester, a difference of $90,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,200 in New Orleans versus $1,000 in Rochester.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: New Orleans scores 99 while Rochester scores 101. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in New Orleans (94) are lower than Rochester (100). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in New Orleans is $43,258 compared to $39,728 in Rochester. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Rochester.
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