Cost of Living: New Orleans, LA vs Ann Arbor, MI (2026)

New Orleans

Louisiana
90
VS

Ann Arbor

Michigan
121

New Orleans is 26% cheaper than Ann Arbor.

$1,211/mo ↓ 22%
Median Rent
$1,552/mo ↑ 28%
$55,339/yr ↓ 32%
Median Income
$81,089/yr ↑ 47%
$296,400 ↓ 32%
Home Value
$435,100 ↑ 47%
$1,274/mo ↓ 22%
Owner Costs
$1,638/mo ↑ 29%
376,035
Population
121,179

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
4.25%
4.45%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.55%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

26.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing New Orleans, LA and Ann Arbor, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 90 and 121 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $341/month cheaper in New Orleans, saving renters about $4,092/year.

Median household income is $25,750/year higher in Ann Arbor. Home values also differ significantly — the median in New Orleans is $296,400 compared to $435,100 in Ann Arbor.

Frequently Asked Questions

New Orleans vs Ann Arbor — common questions

Is New Orleans or Ann Arbor cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, New Orleans is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 121 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between New Orleans and Ann Arbor?
Median rent in New Orleans is $1,211/month and in Ann Arbor it's $1,552/month — a difference of $341/month.
Which city has higher income, New Orleans or Ann Arbor?
Median household income is $55,339 in New Orleans and $81,089 in Ann Arbor. Median household income is $25,750/year higher in Ann Arbor.
How do taxes compare between Louisiana and Michigan?
Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to New Orleans or Ann Arbor?
It depends on your priorities. New Orleans has a cost index of 90 with median rent of $1,211/mo, while Ann Arbor has a cost index of 121 with rent of $1,552/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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More Comparisons

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