Cost of Living: New Orleans, LA vs Clearwater, FL (2026)

New Orleans

Louisiana
90
VS

Clearwater

Florida
105

New Orleans is 14% cheaper than Clearwater.

$1,211/mo ↓ 21%
Median Rent
$1,539/mo ↑ 27%
$55,339/yr ↓ 14%
Median Income
$64,440/yr ↑ 16%
$296,400 ↓ 9%
Home Value
$326,100 ↑ 10%
$1,274/mo ↓ 10%
Owner Costs
$1,411/mo ↑ 11%
376,035
Population
117,075

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
0%
4.45%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.55%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

26.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing New Orleans, LA and Clearwater, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 90 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $328/month cheaper in New Orleans, saving renters about $3,936/year.

Median household income is $9,101/year higher in Clearwater. Home values also differ significantly — the median in New Orleans is $296,400 compared to $326,100 in Clearwater.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

New Orleans vs Clearwater — common questions

Is New Orleans or Clearwater cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, New Orleans is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between New Orleans and Clearwater?
Median rent in New Orleans is $1,211/month and in Clearwater it's $1,539/month — a difference of $328/month.
Which city has higher income, New Orleans or Clearwater?
Median household income is $55,339 in New Orleans and $64,440 in Clearwater. Median household income is $9,101/year higher in Clearwater.
How do taxes compare between Louisiana and Florida?
Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to New Orleans or Clearwater?
It depends on your priorities. New Orleans has a cost index of 90 with median rent of $1,211/mo, while Clearwater has a cost index of 105 with rent of $1,539/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View New Orleans details → View Clearwater details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for New Orleans and Clearwater

New Orleans vs. Aurora New Orleans vs. Cleveland New Orleans vs. Tampa New Orleans vs. Honolulu New Orleans vs. Arlington New Orleans vs. Anaheim Clearwater vs. North Charleston Clearwater vs. Lakeland Clearwater vs. Cambridge Clearwater vs. The Woodlands Clearwater vs. Richardson Clearwater vs. Evansville