Cost of Living: Jacksonville, FL vs New Orleans, LA (2026)

Jacksonville

Florida
92
VS

New Orleans

Louisiana
90

Jacksonville and New Orleans have a similar cost of living.

$1,375/mo ↑ 14%
Median Rent
$1,211/mo ↓ 12%
$66,981/yr ↑ 21%
Median Income
$55,339/yr ↓ 17%
$266,100 ↓ 10%
Home Value
$296,400 ↑ 11%
$1,324/mo ↑ 4%
Owner Costs
$1,274/mo ↓ 4%
961,739
Population
376,035

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
0.86%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

24.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Jacksonville, FL and New Orleans, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 92 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $164/month cheaper in New Orleans, saving renters about $1,968/year.

Median household income is $11,642/year higher in Jacksonville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Jacksonville is $266,100 compared to $296,400 in New Orleans.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Jacksonville residents a significant tax advantage over Louisiana's 4.25% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Jacksonville vs New Orleans — common questions

Is Jacksonville 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 92 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Jacksonville and New Orleans?
Median rent in Jacksonville is $1,375/month and in New Orleans it's $1,211/month — a difference of $164/month.
Which city has higher income, Jacksonville or New Orleans?
Median household income is $66,981 in Jacksonville and $55,339 in New Orleans. Median household income is $11,642/year higher in Jacksonville.
How do taxes compare between Florida and Louisiana?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Jacksonville or New Orleans?
It depends on your priorities. Jacksonville has a cost index of 92 with median rent of $1,375/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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