Cost of Living: Nashville, TN vs New Orleans, LA (2026)

Nashville

Tennessee
110
VS

New Orleans

Louisiana
90

Nashville is 22% more expensive than New Orleans.

$1,486/mo ↑ 23%
Median Rent
$1,211/mo ↓ 19%
$75,197/yr ↑ 36%
Median Income
$55,339/yr ↓ 26%
$383,100 ↑ 29%
Home Value
$296,400 ↓ 23%
$1,471/mo ↑ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,274/mo ↓ 13%
684,298
Population
376,035

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.25%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
0.64%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

23.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Nashville, TN and New Orleans, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $275/month cheaper in New Orleans, saving renters about $3,300/year.

Median household income is $19,858/year higher in Nashville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Nashville is $383,100 compared to $296,400 in New Orleans.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Nashville vs New Orleans — common questions

Is Nashville 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 110 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Nashville and New Orleans?
Median rent in Nashville is $1,486/month and in New Orleans it's $1,211/month — a difference of $275/month.
Which city has higher income, Nashville or New Orleans?
Median household income is $75,197 in Nashville and $55,339 in New Orleans. Median household income is $19,858/year higher in Nashville.
How do taxes compare between Tennessee and Louisiana?
Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Nashville or New Orleans?
It depends on your priorities. Nashville has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,486/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 Nashville and New Orleans

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