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New Orleans vs Raleigh

Cost of living comparison — C2ER 2024-2025 data

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Raleigh is 7% more expensive than New Orleans overall.New Orleans has a cost of living index of 98 vs Raleigh at 105 (national average = 100). The biggest difference is housing Raleigh costs 18% less.

Pierre
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New Orleans
LA
98
COLI index
VS
Raleigh
NC
105
COLI index

Category Breakdown

CategoryNew OrleansRaleighDifference
Overall COLI98105+7%
Housing112132+18%
Groceries103104+1%
Transport102107+5%
Healthcare103102-1%
Utilities113101-11%

Median 1BR Rent

New Orleans
$1,400/mo
Raleigh
$1,600/mo

Median Home Price

New Orleans
$250,000
Raleigh
$390,000

Median Household Income

New Orleans
$45,615
Raleigh
$72,428

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Frequently Asked Questions

New Orleans is cheaper to live in overall. New Orleans has a cost of living index of 98 while Raleigh has an index of 105, where 100 represents the US national average. Raleigh is 7% more expensive than New Orleans overall.

The median 1-bedroom rent in New Orleans is $1,400 per month compared to $1,600 in Raleigh. The median home price in New Orleans is $250,000 versus $390,000 in Raleigh. Housing is typically the largest factor in cost of living differences between cities.

New Orleans has a cost of living index of 98 and Raleigh has an index of 105, both measured against a US national average of 100. An index above 100 means more expensive than the national average — below 100 means cheaper.

To maintain the same purchasing power as a salary in New Orleans, multiply by 1.07. For example a $75,000 salary in New Orleans is equivalent to approximately $80,357 in Raleigh.

New Orleans has a median household income of $45,615 per year versus $72,428 in Raleigh. Higher incomes must be weighed against cost of living. Use the Dayblip salary tools to see specific job salaries in both cities.

Whether moving from New Orleans to Raleigh is worthwhile depends on your salary, lifestyle, and priorities. Raleigh is 7% more expensive overall — with the biggest difference in housing. Use the Dayblip cost of living calculator to enter your specific salary and see the exact dollar impact.

Last updated: June 2026

Methodology: Cost of living indices from C2ER Cost of Living Index 2024-2025. Rent data from Zillow December 2024. Home price data from Zillow Home Value Index December 2024. Household income from US Census Bureau ACS 2023. National average COLI = 100. Data updated annually.