New Orleans vs Pittsburgh: cost of living compared
Pittsburgh is 4% cheaper than New Orleans overall. State income tax tops out around 3.07% in PA vs 4.25% in LA.
Indexes use a US average of 100: below 100 is cheaper than the national average. Housing and transportation are derived from median home prices, rents and commute times; figures come from BLS, Census ACS, Numbeo and the MIT Living Wage Calculator.
The big picture
Overall, Pittsburgh offers a noticeably lower cost of living compared to New Orleans. This difference is primarily driven by housing expenses, which are significantly more affordable in Pittsburgh. Other categories like food and miscellaneous goods are roughly similar between the two cities. While some costs, such as transportation and healthcare, are slightly higher in Pittsburgh, the substantial savings on housing make it the more budget-friendly option for most households considering a move.
Housing
Housing is where the most significant cost difference lies. Both median home prices and typical rental rates are considerably lower in Pittsburgh than in New Orleans. New Orleans often features historic homes with unique architectural styles, while Pittsburgh offers a mix of older, established neighborhoods with brick homes and some newer developments. Property insurance, particularly flood insurance, can be a notable additional cost for homeowners in New Orleans due to its coastal proximity.
Taxes and everyday costs
Daily expenses for food and miscellaneous items are quite comparable between New Orleans and Pittsburgh. However, transportation costs are somewhat lower in New Orleans, while healthcare expenses are a bit higher in Pittsburgh. Utility costs are also slightly more in New Orleans. A key difference for take-home pay is state income tax, which is noticeably higher in New Orleans than in Pittsburgh, impacting overall disposable income.
Lifestyle trade-offs
Beyond costs, the metros offer distinct lifestyles. New Orleans has a humid subtropical climate, known for its warm temperatures and high humidity, with a vibrant cultural scene and a slower pace. Pittsburgh experiences four distinct seasons, including colder winters, and is known for its hilly terrain and industrial heritage. Commute times are roughly similar, though Pittsburgh's public transit system is more robust for navigating its varied topography.
Bottom line
For those prioritizing a lower overall cost of living, Pittsburgh presents a clear advantage, largely due to its much more affordable housing market. While New Orleans offers some savings in transportation and healthcare, these are generally offset by higher housing costs, utilities, and state income tax. A move between these cities means weighing significant housing savings against differences in climate, urban character, and tax obligations, with Pittsburgh generally offering more financial breathing room.
| Measure | New Orleans, LA | Pittsburgh, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 92 | 88 |
| Housing index | 74 | 64 |
| Transportation index | 93 | 98 |
| Food index | 95 | 95 |
| Healthcare index | 92 | 98 |
| Utilities index | 108 | 102 |
| Misc index | 88 | 88 |
| Median home price | $248,000 | $218,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $1,200/mo | $1,050/mo |
| Average commute | 26 min | 28 min |
Compare any two metros with the free cost of living tool, or see the true monthly cost of a specific Pittsburgh home with the True Cost Calculator.