Is Pittsburgh, PA cheaper than New Orleans, LA?

Based on cost of living data, Pittsburgh, PA is 7.3% cheaper than New Orleans, LA. This translates to saving $547 per month.

What salary do I need in Pittsburgh, PA to live like I do in New Orleans, LA?

If you earn $150,000 in New Orleans, LA, you'd need approximately $143,437.5 in Pittsburgh, PA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between New Orleans, LA and Pittsburgh, PA?

Housing in Pittsburgh, PA is 18.5% cheaper than in New Orleans, LA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,050/month in Pittsburgh, PA compared to $1,375/month in New Orleans, LA.

How much can I save per month by moving from New Orleans, LA to Pittsburgh, PA?

Moving from New Orleans, LA to Pittsburgh, PA could save you approximately $547 per month, or $6563 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

New Orleans, LA vs Pittsburgh, PA: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in New Orleans, LA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $547/month moving to Pittsburgh, PA

$150.0K in your current city equals $143.4K in Pittsburgh, PA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from New Orleans-Metairie, LA area

Overall Cost

↓ 7.3%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$547

Savings

Annual Impact

$6.6K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

New Orleans, LA

Population:384K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$223K

Pittsburgh, PA

Population:303K

Cost Index:93

New Orleans, LA

The Pelican State

384K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Louisiana, this city has a population of 384K residents.

Pittsburgh, PA

The Keystone State

303K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Pennsylvania, this city has a population of 303K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: New Orleans, LA vs Pittsburgh, PA

Category	New Orleans, LA	Pittsburgh, PA	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,391/mo	$1,949/mo	↓ $442less	18.5%
📦Other	$1,892/mo	$1,607/mo	↓ $285less	15.0%
⚡All Utilities	$486/mo	$607/mo	↑ $120more	24.7%
🏥Healthcare	$471/mo	$527/mo	↑ $55.76more	11.8%
🚗Transportation	$1,243/mo	$1,216/mo	↓ $27.32less	2.2%
🛒Groceries	$969/mo	$989/mo	↑ $19.99more	2.1%

🏠Housing

↓ 18.5%

New Orleans, LA

$2,391

Pittsburgh, PA

$1,949

Difference

$442

less

📦Other

↓ 15.0%

New Orleans, LA

$1,892

Pittsburgh, PA

$1,607

Difference

$285

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 24.7%

New Orleans, LA

$486

Pittsburgh, PA

$607

Difference

$120

🏥Healthcare

↑ 11.8%

New Orleans, LA

$471

Pittsburgh, PA

$527

Difference

$55.76

🚗Transportation

↓ 2.2%

New Orleans, LA

$1,243

Pittsburgh, PA

$1,216

Difference

$27.32

less

🛒Groceries

↑ 2.1%

New Orleans, LA

$969

Pittsburgh, PA

$989

Difference

$19.99

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Pittsburgh, PA: Pittsburgh Earned Income Tax$4,500/yr (3.0%)

New Orleans, LA has no local income tax.

Local taxes are in addition to state income tax. Not all cities levy local income taxes.

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,010

To$750

↓ $260

1 Bed

From$1,145

To$850

↓ $295

2 Bed

From$1,375

To$1,050

↓ $325

3 Bed

From$1,745

To$1,400

↓ $345

New Orleans, LAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,120–$1,680/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$7,452

Monthly in New Orleans, LA

$6,894

Monthly in Pittsburgh, PA

$558

Difference

Home Values

New Orleans

Pittsburgh

$223K

Median Value

↓ -3.5%

YoY Change

↓ -7.8%

5-Year Change

$146K - $508K

Price Range

Calculate payment - New Orleans

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $3.1K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$262

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

2.1%

Rate difference

New Orleans, LA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Louisiana State Tax

Effective: 5.2%

$7.8K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.8%

$44.8K

Take-Home Pay

$8,770/month

$105.2K

Pittsburgh, PA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Pennsylvania State Tax

Effective: 3.1%

$4.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 27.7%

$41.6K

Take-Home Pay

$9,032/month

$108.4K

Additional Tax Information

New Orleans, LA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:9.6%

Property Tax:0.5%

Pittsburgh, PA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.5%

Property Tax:1.4%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.