Cost of Living: Indianapolis, IN vs New Orleans, LA (2026)

Indianapolis

Indiana
74
VS

New Orleans

Louisiana
90

Indianapolis is 18% cheaper than New Orleans.

$1,112/mo ↓ 8%
Median Rent
$1,211/mo ↑ 9%
$62,995/yr ↑ 14%
Median Income
$55,339/yr ↓ 12%
$207,000 ↓ 30%
Home Value
$296,400 ↑ 43%
$1,124/mo ↓ 12%
Owner Costs
$1,274/mo ↑ 13%
882,043
Population
376,035

Tax Comparison

3.05%
Income Tax
4.25%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
0.83%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

21.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Indianapolis, IN and New Orleans, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $99/month cheaper in Indianapolis, saving renters about $1,188/year.

Median household income is $7,656/year higher in Indianapolis. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Indianapolis is $207,000 compared to $296,400 in New Orleans.

Indiana has a lower income tax rate, making Indianapolis slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Indianapolis vs New Orleans — common questions

Is Indianapolis or New Orleans cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Indianapolis is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 90 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Indianapolis and New Orleans?
Median rent in Indianapolis is $1,112/month and in New Orleans it's $1,211/month — a difference of $99/month.
Which city has higher income, Indianapolis or New Orleans?
Median household income is $62,995 in Indianapolis and $55,339 in New Orleans. Median household income is $7,656/year higher in Indianapolis.
How do taxes compare between Indiana and Louisiana?
Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Indianapolis or New Orleans?
It depends on your priorities. Indianapolis has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,112/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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