Cost of Living: New Orleans, LA vs Birmingham, AL (2026)

New Orleans

Louisiana
90
VS

Birmingham

Alabama
62

New Orleans is 45% more expensive than Birmingham.

$1,211/mo ↑ 16%
Median Rent
$1,047/mo ↓ 14%
$55,339/yr ↑ 25%
Median Income
$44,376/yr ↓ 20%
$296,400 ↑ 114%
Home Value
$138,600 ↓ 53%
$1,274/mo ↑ 29%
Owner Costs
$991/mo ↓ 22%
376,035
Population
199,322

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
5.0%
4.45%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.55%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

26.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing New Orleans, LA and Birmingham, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 90 and 62 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $164/month cheaper in Birmingham, saving renters about $1,968/year.

Median household income is $10,963/year higher in New Orleans. Home values also differ significantly — the median in New Orleans is $296,400 compared to $138,600 in Birmingham.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

New Orleans vs Birmingham — common questions

Is New Orleans or Birmingham cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Birmingham is cheaper to live in with an index of 62 compared to 90 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between New Orleans and Birmingham?
Median rent in New Orleans is $1,211/month and in Birmingham it's $1,047/month — a difference of $164/month.
Which city has higher income, New Orleans or Birmingham?
Median household income is $55,339 in New Orleans and $44,376 in Birmingham. Median household income is $10,963/year higher in New Orleans.
How do taxes compare between Louisiana and Alabama?
Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to New Orleans or Birmingham?
It depends on your priorities. New Orleans has a cost index of 90 with median rent of $1,211/mo, while Birmingham has a cost index of 62 with rent of $1,047/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View New Orleans details → View Birmingham details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for New Orleans and Birmingham

New Orleans vs. Aurora New Orleans vs. Cleveland New Orleans vs. Tampa New Orleans vs. Honolulu New Orleans vs. Arlington New Orleans vs. Anaheim Birmingham vs. Tallahassee Birmingham vs. Sunrise Manor Birmingham vs. Amarillo Birmingham vs. Grand Prairie Birmingham vs. Oxnard Birmingham vs. Montgomery