Cost of Living: New Orleans, LA vs Alexandria, VA (2026)

New Orleans

Louisiana
90
VS

Alexandria

Virginia
173

New Orleans is 48% cheaper than Alexandria.

$1,211/mo ↓ 40%
Median Rent
$2,031/mo ↑ 68%
$55,339/yr ↓ 51%
Median Income
$113,638/yr ↑ 105%
$296,400 ↓ 57%
Home Value
$696,800 ↑ 135%
$1,274/mo ↓ 41%
Owner Costs
$2,173/mo ↑ 71%
376,035
Population
156,788

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
5.75%
4.45%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
0.55%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

26.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing New Orleans, LA and Alexandria, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 90 and 173 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $820/month cheaper in New Orleans, saving renters about $9,840/year.

Median household income is $58,299/year higher in Alexandria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in New Orleans is $296,400 compared to $696,800 in Alexandria.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

New Orleans vs Alexandria — common questions

Is New Orleans or Alexandria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, New Orleans is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 173 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between New Orleans and Alexandria?
Median rent in New Orleans is $1,211/month and in Alexandria it's $2,031/month — a difference of $820/month.
Which city has higher income, New Orleans or Alexandria?
Median household income is $55,339 in New Orleans and $113,638 in Alexandria. Median household income is $58,299/year higher in Alexandria.
How do taxes compare between Louisiana and Virginia?
Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to New Orleans or Alexandria?
It depends on your priorities. New Orleans has a cost index of 90 with median rent of $1,211/mo, while Alexandria has a cost index of 173 with rent of $2,031/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View New Orleans details → View Alexandria details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for New Orleans and Alexandria

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