Is Raleigh, NC cheaper than New Orleans, LA?

Based on cost of living data, Raleigh, NC is 1.0% more expensive than New Orleans, LA. The two cities have very similar living costs.

What salary do I need in Raleigh, NC to live like I do in New Orleans, LA?

If you earn $150,000 in New Orleans, LA, you'd need approximately $150,937.5 in Raleigh, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between New Orleans, LA and Raleigh, NC?

Housing in Raleigh, NC is 3.3% more expensive than in New Orleans, LA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC compared to $1,375/month in New Orleans, LA.

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

New Orleans, LA and Raleigh, NC have very similar costs of living, based on a $150,000 salary.

New Orleans, LA vs Raleigh, NC: 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 spend $78.13/month more in Raleigh, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $150.9K in Raleigh, NC

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

Overall Cost

↑ 1.0%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$78.13

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$938

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

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K

Cost Index:101

Median Home:$512K

New Orleans, LA

The Pelican State

384K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Raleigh, NC

The Tar Heel State

474K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Research Triangle
•State capital
•Major university town

Major Industries

TechnologyResearchEducationGovernment

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: New Orleans, LA vs Raleigh, NC

Category	New Orleans, LA	Raleigh, NC	Difference	Change
📦Other	$1,892/mo	$1,707/mo	↓ $184less	9.7%
🏥Healthcare	$471/mo	$601/mo	↑ $130more	27.6%
🏠Housing	$2,391/mo	$2,469/mo	↑ $77.96more	3.3%
⚡All Utilities	$486/mo	$546/mo	↑ $60.11more	12.4%
🚗Transportation	$1,243/mo	$1,284/mo	↑ $40.98more	3.3%
🛒Groceries	$969/mo	$959/mo	↓ $9.99less	1.0%

📦Other

↓ 9.7%

New Orleans, LA

$1,892

Raleigh, NC

$1,707

Difference

$184

less

🏥Healthcare

↑ 27.6%

New Orleans, LA

$471

Raleigh, NC

$601

Difference

$130

🏠Housing

↑ 3.3%

New Orleans, LA

$2,391

Raleigh, NC

$2,469

Difference

$77.96

⚡All Utilities

↑ 12.4%

New Orleans, LA

$486

Raleigh, NC

$546

Difference

$60.11

🚗Transportation

↑ 3.3%

New Orleans, LA

$1,243

Raleigh, NC

$1,284

Difference

$40.98

🛒Groceries

↓ 1.0%

New Orleans, LA

$969

Raleigh, NC

$959

Difference

$9.99

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,010

To$1,570

↑ $560

1 Bed

From$1,145

To$1,640

↑ $495

2 Bed

From$1,375

To$1,800

↑ $425

3 Bed

From$1,745

To$2,255

↑ $510

New Orleans, LAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,120–$1,680/mo

Raleigh, NCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,400–$1,880/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

$7,567

Monthly in Raleigh, NC

$115

Difference

Home Values

New Orleans

Raleigh

$223K

Median Value

$512K

↓ -3.5%

YoY Change

↓ -0.5%

↓ -7.8%

5-Year Change

↑ +38.2%

$146K - $508K

Price Range

$314K - $992K

Homes in Raleigh are 130% more expensive than New Orleans

Calculate payment - New Orleans Calculate payment - Raleigh

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $625

Per year

Monthly Difference

$52.08

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.4%

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

Raleigh, NC

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

North Carolina State Tax

Effective: 4.8%

$7.1K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.4%

$44.1K

Take-Home Pay

$8,822/month

$105.9K

Additional Tax Information

New Orleans, LA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:9.6%

Property Tax:0.5%

Raleigh, NC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.1%

Property Tax:0.8%

💡 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.