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

Miami

Florida
129
VS

New Orleans

Louisiana
90

Miami is 43% more expensive than New Orleans.

$1,657/mo ↑ 37%
Median Rent
$1,211/mo ↓ 27%
$59,390/yr ↑ 7%
Median Income
$55,339/yr ↓ 7%
$475,200 ↑ 60%
Home Value
$296,400 ↓ 38%
$1,666/mo ↑ 31%
Owner Costs
$1,274/mo ↓ 24%
446,663
Population
376,035

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

33.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Miami, FL and New Orleans, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 129 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $446/month cheaper in New Orleans, saving renters about $5,352/year.

Median household income is $4,051/year higher in Miami. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Miami is $475,200 compared to $296,400 in New Orleans.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Miami vs New Orleans — common questions

Is Miami 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 129 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Miami and New Orleans?
Median rent in Miami is $1,657/month and in New Orleans it's $1,211/month — a difference of $446/month.
Which city has higher income, Miami or New Orleans?
Median household income is $59,390 in Miami and $55,339 in New Orleans. Median household income is $4,051/year higher in Miami.
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 Miami or New Orleans?
It depends on your priorities. Miami has a cost index of 129 with median rent of $1,657/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.
View Miami details → View New Orleans details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Miami and New Orleans

Miami vs. Virginia Beach Miami vs. Oakland Miami vs. Long Beach Miami vs. Minneapolis Miami vs. Raleigh Miami vs. Tulsa New Orleans vs. Aurora New Orleans vs. Cleveland New Orleans vs. Tampa New Orleans vs. Honolulu New Orleans vs. Arlington New Orleans vs. Anaheim