Cost of Living: New Orleans, LA vs Cincinnati, OH (2026)

New Orleans

Louisiana
90
VS

Cincinnati

Ohio
69

New Orleans is 30% more expensive than Cincinnati.

$1,211/mo ↑ 27%
Median Rent
$953/mo ↓ 21%
$55,339/yr ↑ 7%
Median Income
$51,707/yr ↓ 7%
$296,400 ↑ 38%
Home Value
$215,300 ↓ 27%
$1,274/mo ↑ 22%
Owner Costs
$1,041/mo ↓ 18%
376,035
Population
309,595

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
3.5%
4.45%
State Sales Tax
5.75%
0.55%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

26.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing New Orleans, LA and Cincinnati, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 90 and 69 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $258/month cheaper in Cincinnati, saving renters about $3,096/year.

Median household income is $3,632/year higher in New Orleans. Home values also differ significantly — the median in New Orleans is $296,400 compared to $215,300 in Cincinnati.

Ohio has a lower income tax rate, making Cincinnati slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

New Orleans vs Cincinnati — common questions

Is New Orleans or Cincinnati cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cincinnati is cheaper to live in with an index of 69 compared to 90 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between New Orleans and Cincinnati?
Median rent in New Orleans is $1,211/month and in Cincinnati it's $953/month — a difference of $258/month.
Which city has higher income, New Orleans or Cincinnati?
Median household income is $55,339 in New Orleans and $51,707 in Cincinnati. Median household income is $3,632/year higher in New Orleans.
How do taxes compare between Louisiana and Ohio?
Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax. Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to New Orleans or Cincinnati?
It depends on your priorities. New Orleans has a cost index of 90 with median rent of $1,211/mo, while Cincinnati has a cost index of 69 with rent of $953/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View New Orleans details → View Cincinnati details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for New Orleans and Cincinnati

New Orleans vs. Aurora New Orleans vs. Cleveland New Orleans vs. Tampa New Orleans vs. Honolulu New Orleans vs. Arlington New Orleans vs. Anaheim Cincinnati vs. Santa Ana Cincinnati vs. Irvine Cincinnati vs. Orlando Cincinnati vs. St. Paul Cincinnati vs. Riverside Cincinnati vs. Newark