Cost of Living: Louisville, KY vs New Orleans, LA (2026)

Louisville

Kentucky
74
VS

New Orleans

Louisiana
90

Louisville is 18% cheaper than New Orleans.

$1,069/mo ↓ 12%
Median Rent
$1,211/mo ↑ 13%
$64,731/yr ↑ 17%
Median Income
$55,339/yr ↓ 15%
$221,500 ↓ 25%
Home Value
$296,400 ↑ 34%
$1,118/mo ↓ 12%
Owner Costs
$1,274/mo ↑ 14%
627,210
Population
376,035

Tax Comparison

4.0%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
0.83%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Louisville, KY and New Orleans, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $142/month cheaper in Louisville, saving renters about $1,704/year.

Median household income is $9,392/year higher in Louisville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Louisville is $221,500 compared to $296,400 in New Orleans.

Kentucky has a lower income tax rate, making Louisville slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Louisville vs New Orleans — common questions

Is Louisville or New Orleans cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Louisville is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 90 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Louisville and New Orleans?
Median rent in Louisville is $1,069/month and in New Orleans it's $1,211/month — a difference of $142/month.
Which city has higher income, Louisville or New Orleans?
Median household income is $64,731 in Louisville and $55,339 in New Orleans. Median household income is $9,392/year higher in Louisville.
How do taxes compare between Kentucky and Louisiana?
Kentucky has 4.0% income tax, 6.0% 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 Louisville or New Orleans?
It depends on your priorities. Louisville has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,069/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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