Cost of Living: Columbus, OH vs New Orleans, LA (2026)

Columbus

Ohio
83
VS

New Orleans

Louisiana
90

Columbus is 8% cheaper than New Orleans.

$1,224/mo ↑ 1%
Median Rent
$1,211/mo ↓ 1%
$65,327/yr ↑ 18%
Median Income
$55,339/yr ↓ 15%
$234,500 ↓ 21%
Home Value
$296,400 ↑ 26%
$1,243/mo ↓ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,274/mo ↑ 2%
906,480
Population
376,035

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
4.25%
5.75%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
1.53%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Columbus, OH and New Orleans, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 83 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $9,988/year higher in Columbus. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Columbus is $234,500 compared to $296,400 in New Orleans.

Ohio has a lower income tax rate, making Columbus slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Columbus vs New Orleans — common questions

Is Columbus or New Orleans cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbus is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 90 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Columbus and New Orleans?
Median rent in Columbus is $1,224/month and in New Orleans it's $1,211/month — a difference of $13/month.
Which city has higher income, Columbus or New Orleans?
Median household income is $65,327 in Columbus and $55,339 in New Orleans. Median household income is $9,988/year higher in Columbus.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and Louisiana?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Columbus or New Orleans?
It depends on your priorities. Columbus has a cost index of 83 with median rent of $1,224/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.
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More Comparisons

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