Cost of Living: Atlanta, GA vs New Orleans, LA (2026)

Atlanta

Georgia
122
VS

New Orleans

Louisiana
90

Atlanta is 36% more expensive than New Orleans.

$1,617/mo ↑ 34%
Median Rent
$1,211/mo ↓ 25%
$81,938/yr ↑ 48%
Median Income
$55,339/yr ↓ 32%
$420,600 ↑ 42%
Home Value
$296,400 ↓ 30%
$1,695/mo ↑ 33%
Owner Costs
$1,274/mo ↓ 25%
499,287
Population
376,035

Tax Comparison

5.49%
Income Tax
4.25%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

23.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Atlanta, GA and New Orleans, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 122 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $406/month cheaper in New Orleans, saving renters about $4,872/year.

Median household income is $26,599/year higher in Atlanta. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Atlanta is $420,600 compared to $296,400 in New Orleans.

Louisiana has a lower income tax rate, making New Orleans slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Atlanta vs New Orleans — common questions

Is Atlanta or New Orleans cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, New Orleans is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 122 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Atlanta and New Orleans?
Median rent in Atlanta is $1,617/month and in New Orleans it's $1,211/month — a difference of $406/month.
Which city has higher income, Atlanta or New Orleans?
Median household income is $81,938 in Atlanta and $55,339 in New Orleans. Median household income is $26,599/year higher in Atlanta.
How do taxes compare between Georgia and Louisiana?
Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Atlanta or New Orleans?
It depends on your priorities. Atlanta has a cost index of 122 with median rent of $1,617/mo, while New Orleans has a cost index of 90 with rent of $1,211/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Atlanta details → View New Orleans details →

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