Cost of Living: Minneapolis, MN vs New Orleans, LA (2026)

Minneapolis

Minnesota
102
VS

New Orleans

Louisiana
90

Minneapolis is 13% more expensive than New Orleans.

$1,329/mo ↑ 10%
Median Rent
$1,211/mo ↓ 9%
$80,269/yr ↑ 45%
Median Income
$55,339/yr ↓ 31%
$345,600 ↑ 17%
Home Value
$296,400 ↓ 14%
$1,513/mo ↑ 19%
Owner Costs
$1,274/mo ↓ 16%
426,845
Population
376,035

Tax Comparison

9.85%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.875%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
1.11%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

19.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Minneapolis, MN and New Orleans, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 102 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $118/month cheaper in New Orleans, saving renters about $1,416/year.

Median household income is $24,930/year higher in Minneapolis. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Minneapolis is $345,600 compared to $296,400 in New Orleans.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Minneapolis vs New Orleans — common questions

Is Minneapolis 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 102 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Minneapolis and New Orleans?
Median rent in Minneapolis is $1,329/month and in New Orleans it's $1,211/month — a difference of $118/month.
Which city has higher income, Minneapolis or New Orleans?
Median household income is $80,269 in Minneapolis and $55,339 in New Orleans. Median household income is $24,930/year higher in Minneapolis.
How do taxes compare between Minnesota and Louisiana?
Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Minneapolis or New Orleans?
It depends on your priorities. Minneapolis has a cost index of 102 with median rent of $1,329/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 Minneapolis and New Orleans

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