Cost of Living: New Orleans, LA vs Fort Lauderdale, FL (2026)

New Orleans

Louisiana
90
VS

Fort Lauderdale

Florida
132

New Orleans is 32% cheaper than Fort Lauderdale.

$1,211/mo ↓ 32%
Median Rent
$1,776/mo ↑ 47%
$55,339/yr ↓ 31%
Median Income
$79,935/yr ↑ 44%
$296,400 ↓ 35%
Home Value
$455,600 ↑ 54%
$1,274/mo ↓ 28%
Owner Costs
$1,778/mo ↑ 40%
376,035
Population
183,032

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
0%
4.45%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.55%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

26.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing New Orleans, LA and Fort Lauderdale, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 90 and 132 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $565/month cheaper in New Orleans, saving renters about $6,780/year.

Median household income is $24,596/year higher in Fort Lauderdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in New Orleans is $296,400 compared to $455,600 in Fort Lauderdale.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Fort Lauderdale residents a significant tax advantage over Louisiana's 4.25% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

New Orleans vs Fort Lauderdale — common questions

Is New Orleans or Fort Lauderdale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, New Orleans is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 132 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between New Orleans and Fort Lauderdale?
Median rent in New Orleans is $1,211/month and in Fort Lauderdale it's $1,776/month — a difference of $565/month.
Which city has higher income, New Orleans or Fort Lauderdale?
Median household income is $55,339 in New Orleans and $79,935 in Fort Lauderdale. Median household income is $24,596/year higher in Fort Lauderdale.
How do taxes compare between Louisiana and Florida?
Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to New Orleans or Fort Lauderdale?
It depends on your priorities. New Orleans has a cost index of 90 with median rent of $1,211/mo, while Fort Lauderdale has a cost index of 132 with rent of $1,776/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View New Orleans details → View Fort Lauderdale details →

More Comparisons

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