Question 1

Is Charleston or New Orleans cheaper to live in?

Accepted Answer

New Orleans, LA is cheaper. Estimated essentials for a single person run about $475/month less than in Charleston, covering rent plus everyday costs. Typical rent is $1,787/mo in Charleston versus $1,331/mo in New Orleans.

Question 2

What salary do you need in Charleston vs New Orleans?

Accepted Answer

Living comfortably takes roughly $81,500/year before tax in Charleston, SC and $69,000/year in New Orleans, LA — a difference of about $12,500. Both figures are after state and local income taxes are accounted for.

Question 3

Is Charleston or New Orleans cheaper for a family?

Accepted Answer

New Orleans, the same answer as for a single person. Two adults with a pre-schooler and a school-age child run about $9,492/month in Charleston and $8,564/month in New Orleans, including county-median childcare.

Question 4

Should I move to Charleston or New Orleans?

Accepted Answer

It depends on what you weight. New Orleans costs less month to month, but cost is one of six factors — jobs, safety, climate, housing and amenities all differ too. Compare them against your own income and priorities rather than a single ranking.

Metric	Charleston73	New Orleans52
Est. monthly cost (single)	$4,333	$3,858
Est. monthly cost (family of 4, incl. childcare)	$9,492	$8,564
Salary for comfort	$81,500/yr	$69,000/yr
Typical rent	$1,787	$1,331
Median home value	$469,100	$296,400
Median household income	$90,038	$55,339
Unemployment	3.4%	5.5%
Housing score	56	35
Jobs score	92	40
Safety score	64	3
Climate score	100	92
Amenities score	36	52
Population	152K	376K
Summer high / winter low	88° / 43°	93° / 45°

Charleston, SC vs New Orleans, LA