Cost of Living: New Orleans, LA vs Athens, GA (2026)

New Orleans

Louisiana
90
VS

Athens

Georgia
83

New Orleans is 8% more expensive than Athens.

$1,211/mo ↑ 4%
Median Rent
$1,162/mo ↓ 4%
$55,339/yr ↑ 7%
Median Income
$51,655/yr ↓ 7%
$296,400 ↑ 9%
Home Value
$271,800 ↓ 8%
$1,274/mo ↑ 10%
Owner Costs
$1,163/mo ↓ 9%
376,035
Population
126,987

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
5.49%
4.45%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.55%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

26.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing New Orleans, LA and Athens, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 90 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $3,684/year higher in New Orleans. Home values also differ significantly — the median in New Orleans is $296,400 compared to $271,800 in Athens.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

New Orleans vs Athens — common questions

Is New Orleans or Athens cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Athens is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 90 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between New Orleans and Athens?
Median rent in New Orleans is $1,211/month and in Athens it's $1,162/month — a difference of $49/month.
Which city has higher income, New Orleans or Athens?
Median household income is $55,339 in New Orleans and $51,655 in Athens. Median household income is $3,684/year higher in New Orleans.
How do taxes compare between Louisiana and Georgia?
Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax. Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to New Orleans or Athens?
It depends on your priorities. New Orleans has a cost index of 90 with median rent of $1,211/mo, while Athens has a cost index of 83 with rent of $1,162/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View New Orleans details → View Athens details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for New Orleans and Athens

New Orleans vs. Aurora New Orleans vs. Cleveland New Orleans vs. Tampa New Orleans vs. Honolulu New Orleans vs. Arlington New Orleans vs. Anaheim Athens vs. Abilene Athens vs. Topeka Athens vs. Columbia Athens vs. Pearland Athens vs. Lehigh Acres Athens vs. Simi Valley