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

New Orleans

Louisiana
90
VS

Cleveland

Ohio
51

New Orleans is 39% more expensive than Cleveland.

$1,211/mo ↑ 35%
Median Rent
$894/mo ↓ 26%
$55,339/yr ↑ 41%
Median Income
$39,187/yr ↓ 29%
$296,400 ↑ 215%
Home Value
$94,100 ↓ 68%
$1,274/mo ↑ 47%
Owner Costs
$866/mo ↓ 32%
376,035
Population
367,523

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

26.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing New Orleans, LA and Cleveland, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 90 and 51 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $317/month cheaper in Cleveland, saving renters about $3,804/year.

Median household income is $16,152/year higher in New Orleans. Home values also differ significantly — the median in New Orleans is $296,400 compared to $94,100 in Cleveland.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

New Orleans vs Cleveland — common questions

Is New Orleans or Cleveland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cleveland is cheaper to live in with an index of 51 compared to 90 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between New Orleans and Cleveland?
Median rent in New Orleans is $1,211/month and in Cleveland it's $894/month — a difference of $317/month.
Which city has higher income, New Orleans or Cleveland?
Median household income is $55,339 in New Orleans and $39,187 in Cleveland. Median household income is $16,152/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 Cleveland?
It depends on your priorities. New Orleans has a cost index of 90 with median rent of $1,211/mo, while Cleveland has a cost index of 51 with rent of $894/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View New Orleans details → View Cleveland details →