Cost of Living: New Orleans, LA vs Des Moines, IA (2026)

New Orleans

Louisiana
90
VS

Des Moines

Iowa
70

New Orleans is 29% more expensive than Des Moines.

$1,211/mo ↑ 15%
Median Rent
$1,054/mo ↓ 13%
$55,339/yr ↓ 13%
Median Income
$63,966/yr ↑ 16%
$296,400 ↑ 61%
Home Value
$183,700 ↓ 38%
$1,274/mo ↑ 12%
Owner Costs
$1,137/mo ↓ 11%
376,035
Population
212,464

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
5.7%
4.45%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.55%
Property Tax
1.57%

Affordability

26.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing New Orleans, LA and Des Moines, IA, the overall cost of living indices are 90 and 70 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $157/month cheaper in Des Moines, saving renters about $1,884/year.

Median household income is $8,627/year higher in Des Moines. Home values also differ significantly — the median in New Orleans is $296,400 compared to $183,700 in Des Moines.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

New Orleans vs Des Moines — common questions

Is New Orleans or Des Moines cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Des Moines is cheaper to live in with an index of 70 compared to 90 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between New Orleans and Des Moines?
Median rent in New Orleans is $1,211/month and in Des Moines it's $1,054/month — a difference of $157/month.
Which city has higher income, New Orleans or Des Moines?
Median household income is $55,339 in New Orleans and $63,966 in Des Moines. Median household income is $8,627/year higher in Des Moines.
How do taxes compare between Louisiana and Iowa?
Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax. Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax.
Should I move to New Orleans or Des Moines?
It depends on your priorities. New Orleans has a cost index of 90 with median rent of $1,211/mo, while Des Moines has a cost index of 70 with rent of $1,054/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View New Orleans details → View Des Moines details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for New Orleans and Des Moines

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