Quick answer
Overall prices in the Boston, MA metro were 108.3 vs 92.6 in New Orleans, LA in 2024 (US = 100), so Boston is 16.9% more expensive than New Orleans; housing rents differ by 73% (148.4 vs 86.0). A $75,000 income in Boston buys about what $64,145 buys in New Orleans, per BEA.
Data as of 2024. Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities 2024
| Price index (US = 100) | Boston | New Orleans | Boston vs New Orleans |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items | 108.3 | 92.6 | +16.9% |
| Goods | 99.7 | 93.7 | +6.4% |
| Housing (rents) | 148.4 | 86.0 | +72.6% |
| Utilities | 148.8 | 71.2 | +108.9% |
| Other services | 103.6 | 95.7 | +8.3% |
| All items, 2008 | 107.7 | 98.2 | +9.6% |
| $50,000 in Boston equals in New Orleans | $42,764 | ||
| $100,000 in Boston equals in New Orleans | $85,527 | ||
| $150,000 in Boston equals in New Orleans | $128,291 |
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Last updated 2026-10-16. Data only, not financial or tax advice.