Cost of Living: New Orleans, LA vs Columbia, MO (2026)

New Orleans

Louisiana
90
VS

Columbia

Missouri
80

New Orleans is 12% more expensive than Columbia.

$1,211/mo ↑ 13%
Median Rent
$1,067/mo ↓ 12%
$55,339/yr ↓ 14%
Median Income
$64,488/yr ↑ 17%
$296,400 ↑ 10%
Home Value
$268,300 ↓ 9%
$1,274/mo ↑ 14%
Owner Costs
$1,114/mo ↓ 13%
376,035
Population
127,200

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
4.95%
4.45%
State Sales Tax
4.225%
0.55%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

26.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing New Orleans, LA and Columbia, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 90 and 80 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $144/month cheaper in Columbia, saving renters about $1,728/year.

Median household income is $9,149/year higher in Columbia. Home values also differ significantly — the median in New Orleans is $296,400 compared to $268,300 in Columbia.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

New Orleans vs Columbia — common questions

Is New Orleans or Columbia cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbia is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 90 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between New Orleans and Columbia?
Median rent in New Orleans is $1,211/month and in Columbia it's $1,067/month — a difference of $144/month.
Which city has higher income, New Orleans or Columbia?
Median household income is $55,339 in New Orleans and $64,488 in Columbia. Median household income is $9,149/year higher in Columbia.
How do taxes compare between Louisiana and Missouri?
Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax. Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to New Orleans or Columbia?
It depends on your priorities. New Orleans has a cost index of 90 with median rent of $1,211/mo, while Columbia has a cost index of 80 with rent of $1,067/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View New Orleans details → View Columbia details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for New Orleans and Columbia

New Orleans vs. Aurora New Orleans vs. Cleveland New Orleans vs. Tampa New Orleans vs. Honolulu New Orleans vs. Arlington New Orleans vs. Anaheim Columbia vs. Lehigh Acres Columbia vs. Abilene Columbia vs. Lewisville Columbia vs. Athens Columbia vs. Norman Columbia vs. Topeka