Cost of Living: New Orleans, LA vs Fort Collins, CO (2026)

New Orleans

Louisiana
90
VS

Fort Collins

Colorado
137

New Orleans is 34% cheaper than Fort Collins.

$1,211/mo ↓ 27%
Median Rent
$1,661/mo ↑ 37%
$55,339/yr ↓ 34%
Median Income
$83,598/yr ↑ 51%
$296,400 ↓ 46%
Home Value
$548,400 ↑ 85%
$1,274/mo ↓ 25%
Owner Costs
$1,692/mo ↑ 33%
376,035
Population
169,705

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
4.4%
4.45%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
0.55%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

26.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing New Orleans, LA and Fort Collins, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 90 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $450/month cheaper in New Orleans, saving renters about $5,400/year.

Median household income is $28,259/year higher in Fort Collins. Home values also differ significantly — the median in New Orleans is $296,400 compared to $548,400 in Fort Collins.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

New Orleans vs Fort Collins — common questions

Is New Orleans or Fort Collins cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, New Orleans is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between New Orleans and Fort Collins?
Median rent in New Orleans is $1,211/month and in Fort Collins it's $1,661/month — a difference of $450/month.
Which city has higher income, New Orleans or Fort Collins?
Median household income is $55,339 in New Orleans and $83,598 in Fort Collins. Median household income is $28,259/year higher in Fort Collins.
How do taxes compare between Louisiana and Colorado?
Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to New Orleans or Fort Collins?
It depends on your priorities. New Orleans has a cost index of 90 with median rent of $1,211/mo, while Fort Collins has a cost index of 137 with rent of $1,661/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View New Orleans details → View Fort Collins details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for New Orleans and Fort Collins

New Orleans vs. Aurora New Orleans vs. Cleveland New Orleans vs. Tampa New Orleans vs. Honolulu New Orleans vs. Arlington New Orleans vs. Anaheim Fort Collins vs. Lancaster Fort Collins vs. Springfield Fort Collins vs. Pembroke Pines Fort Collins vs. Palmdale Fort Collins vs. Garden Grove Fort Collins vs. Salinas