Cost of Living: New Orleans, LA vs Chattanooga, TN (2026)

New Orleans

Louisiana
90
VS

Chattanooga

Tennessee
81

New Orleans is 11% more expensive than Chattanooga.

$1,211/mo ↑ 5%
Median Rent
$1,155/mo ↓ 5%
$55,339/yr ↓ 9%
Median Income
$61,028/yr ↑ 10%
$296,400 ↑ 14%
Home Value
$259,200 ↓ 13%
$1,274/mo ↑ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,112/mo ↓ 13%
376,035
Population
182,832

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
0%
4.45%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.55%
Property Tax
0.64%

Affordability

26.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing New Orleans, LA and Chattanooga, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 90 and 81 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $56/month cheaper in Chattanooga, saving renters about $672/year.

Median household income is $5,689/year higher in Chattanooga. Home values also differ significantly — the median in New Orleans is $296,400 compared to $259,200 in Chattanooga.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Chattanooga residents a significant tax advantage over Louisiana's 4.25% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

New Orleans vs Chattanooga — common questions

Is New Orleans or Chattanooga cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chattanooga is cheaper to live in with an index of 81 compared to 90 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between New Orleans and Chattanooga?
Median rent in New Orleans is $1,211/month and in Chattanooga it's $1,155/month — a difference of $56/month.
Which city has higher income, New Orleans or Chattanooga?
Median household income is $55,339 in New Orleans and $61,028 in Chattanooga. Median household income is $5,689/year higher in Chattanooga.
How do taxes compare between Louisiana and Tennessee?
Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax. Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax.
Should I move to New Orleans or Chattanooga?
It depends on your priorities. New Orleans has a cost index of 90 with median rent of $1,211/mo, while Chattanooga has a cost index of 81 with rent of $1,155/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View New Orleans details → View Chattanooga details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for New Orleans and Chattanooga

New Orleans vs. Aurora New Orleans vs. Cleveland New Orleans vs. Tampa New Orleans vs. Honolulu New Orleans vs. Arlington New Orleans vs. Anaheim Chattanooga vs. Fort Lauderdale Chattanooga vs. Aurora Chattanooga vs. Shreveport Chattanooga vs. Ontario Chattanooga vs. Newport News Chattanooga vs. Eugene