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

New Orleans

Louisiana
90
VS

Arlington

Virginia
203

New Orleans is 56% cheaper than Arlington.

$1,211/mo ↓ 47%
Median Rent
$2,275/mo ↑ 88%
$55,339/yr ↓ 61%
Median Income
$140,160/yr ↑ 153%
$296,400 ↓ 66%
Home Value
$864,800 ↑ 192%
$1,274/mo ↓ 47%
Owner Costs
$2,414/mo ↑ 89%
376,035
Population
235,463

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
19.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing New Orleans, LA and Arlington, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 90 and 203 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,064/month cheaper in New Orleans, saving renters about $12,768/year.

Median household income is $84,821/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in New Orleans is $296,400 compared to $864,800 in Arlington.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

New Orleans vs Arlington — common questions

Is New Orleans or Arlington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, New Orleans is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 203 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between New Orleans and Arlington?
Median rent in New Orleans is $1,211/month and in Arlington it's $2,275/month — a difference of $1,064/month.
Which city has higher income, New Orleans or Arlington?
Median household income is $55,339 in New Orleans and $140,160 in Arlington. Median household income is $84,821/year higher in Arlington.
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 Arlington?
It depends on your priorities. New Orleans has a cost index of 90 with median rent of $1,211/mo, while Arlington has a cost index of 203 with rent of $2,275/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View New Orleans details → View Arlington details →

More Comparisons

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