Cost of Living: Milwaukee, WI vs New Orleans, LA (2026)

Milwaukee

Wisconsin
67
VS

New Orleans

Louisiana
90

Milwaukee is 26% cheaper than New Orleans.

$1,033/mo ↓ 15%
Median Rent
$1,211/mo ↑ 17%
$51,888/yr ↓ 6%
Median Income
$55,339/yr ↑ 7%
$172,000 ↓ 42%
Home Value
$296,400 ↑ 72%
$1,082/mo ↓ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,274/mo ↑ 18%
569,756
Population
376,035

Tax Comparison

7.65%
Income Tax
4.25%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
1.61%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

23.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Milwaukee, WI and New Orleans, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $178/month cheaper in Milwaukee, saving renters about $2,136/year.

Median household income is $3,451/year higher in New Orleans. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Milwaukee is $172,000 compared to $296,400 in New Orleans.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Milwaukee vs New Orleans — common questions

Is Milwaukee or New Orleans cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Milwaukee is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 90 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Milwaukee and New Orleans?
Median rent in Milwaukee is $1,033/month and in New Orleans it's $1,211/month — a difference of $178/month.
Which city has higher income, Milwaukee or New Orleans?
Median household income is $51,888 in Milwaukee and $55,339 in New Orleans. Median household income is $3,451/year higher in New Orleans.
How do taxes compare between Wisconsin and Louisiana?
Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Milwaukee or New Orleans?
It depends on your priorities. Milwaukee has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,033/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 Milwaukee and New Orleans

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