Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
36% cheaper
New Orleans is 36% more affordable than Washington. A $75,000 salary in Washington is equivalent to $47,862 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 · District of Columbia salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. New Orleans has a housing index of 95 while Washington sits at 226 (national average = 100). The median home in New Orleans costs $245,000 compared to $580,000 in Washington, a difference of $335,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,200 in New Orleans versus $2,300 in Washington.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: New Orleans scores 99 while Washington scores 108.
Healthcare costs in New Orleans (94) are lower than Washington (105). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in New Orleans is $43,258 compared to $90,842 in Washington. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in New Orleans.
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