Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
24% cheaper
New Orleans is 24% more affordable than Sacramento. A $75,000 salary in Sacramento 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 Sacramento sits at 163 (national average = 100). The median home in New Orleans costs $245,000 compared to $450,000 in Sacramento, a difference of $205,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,200 in New Orleans versus $1,700 in Sacramento.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: New Orleans scores 99 while Sacramento scores 104. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in New Orleans (94) are lower than Sacramento (106). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in New Orleans is $43,258 compared to $64,660 in Sacramento. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in New Orleans.
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