Cost of Living: Chicago, IL vs New Orleans, LA (2026)

Chicago

Illinois
100
VS

New Orleans

Louisiana
90

Chicago is 11% more expensive than New Orleans.

$1,380/mo ↑ 14%
Median Rent
$1,211/mo ↓ 12%
$75,134/yr ↑ 36%
Median Income
$55,339/yr ↓ 26%
$315,200 ↑ 6%
Home Value
$296,400 ↓ 6%
$1,502/mo ↑ 18%
Owner Costs
$1,274/mo ↓ 15%
2,707,648
Population
376,035

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
2.07%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

22.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chicago, IL and New Orleans, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $169/month cheaper in New Orleans, saving renters about $2,028/year.

Median household income is $19,795/year higher in Chicago. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chicago is $315,200 compared to $296,400 in New Orleans.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Chicago vs New Orleans — common questions

Is Chicago 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 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chicago and New Orleans?
Median rent in Chicago is $1,380/month and in New Orleans it's $1,211/month — a difference of $169/month.
Which city has higher income, Chicago or New Orleans?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago and $55,339 in New Orleans. Median household income is $19,795/year higher in Chicago.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Louisiana?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Chicago or New Orleans?
It depends on your priorities. Chicago has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,380/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 Chicago details → View New Orleans details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Chicago and New Orleans

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