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

New Orleans

Louisiana
90
VS

Dayton

Ohio
50

New Orleans is 80% more expensive than Dayton.

$1,211/mo ↑ 40%
Median Rent
$866/mo ↓ 28%
$55,339/yr ↑ 27%
Median Income
$43,454/yr ↓ 21%
$296,400 ↑ 218%
Home Value
$93,200 ↓ 69%
$1,274/mo ↑ 53%
Owner Costs
$833/mo ↓ 35%
376,035
Population
136,741

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
23.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing New Orleans, LA and Dayton, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 90 and 50 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $345/month cheaper in Dayton, saving renters about $4,140/year.

Median household income is $11,885/year higher in New Orleans. Home values also differ significantly — the median in New Orleans is $296,400 compared to $93,200 in Dayton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

New Orleans vs Dayton — common questions

Is New Orleans or Dayton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dayton is cheaper to live in with an index of 50 compared to 90 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between New Orleans and Dayton?
Median rent in New Orleans is $1,211/month and in Dayton it's $866/month — a difference of $345/month.
Which city has higher income, New Orleans or Dayton?
Median household income is $55,339 in New Orleans and $43,454 in Dayton. Median household income is $11,885/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 Dayton?
It depends on your priorities. New Orleans has a cost index of 90 with median rent of $1,211/mo, while Dayton has a cost index of 50 with rent of $866/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View New Orleans details → View Dayton details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for New Orleans and Dayton

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