Cost of Living: Denver, CO vs New Orleans, LA (2026)

Denver

Colorado
147
VS

New Orleans

Louisiana
90

Denver is 63% more expensive than New Orleans.

$1,770/mo ↑ 46%
Median Rent
$1,211/mo ↓ 32%
$91,681/yr ↑ 66%
Median Income
$55,339/yr ↓ 40%
$586,700 ↑ 98%
Home Value
$296,400 ↓ 49%
$1,839/mo ↑ 44%
Owner Costs
$1,274/mo ↓ 31%
713,734
Population
376,035

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
4.25%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
0.51%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

23.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Denver, CO and New Orleans, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 147 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $559/month cheaper in New Orleans, saving renters about $6,708/year.

Median household income is $36,342/year higher in Denver. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Denver is $586,700 compared to $296,400 in New Orleans.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Denver vs New Orleans — common questions

Is Denver 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 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Denver and New Orleans?
Median rent in Denver is $1,770/month and in New Orleans it's $1,211/month — a difference of $559/month.
Which city has higher income, Denver or New Orleans?
Median household income is $91,681 in Denver and $55,339 in New Orleans. Median household income is $36,342/year higher in Denver.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Louisiana?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Denver or New Orleans?
It depends on your priorities. Denver has a cost index of 147 with median rent of $1,770/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

Other cost of living comparisons for Denver and New Orleans

Denver vs. Seattle Denver vs. Oklahoma City Denver vs. San Francisco Denver vs. Nashville Denver vs. Indianapolis Denver vs. El Paso New Orleans vs. Aurora New Orleans vs. Cleveland New Orleans vs. Tampa New Orleans vs. Honolulu New Orleans vs. Arlington New Orleans vs. Anaheim