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

New Orleans

Louisiana
90
VS

Independence

Missouri
67

New Orleans is 34% more expensive than Independence.

$1,211/mo ↑ 14%
Median Rent
$1,061/mo ↓ 12%
$55,339/yr ↓ 7%
Median Income
$59,480/yr ↑ 7%
$296,400 ↑ 78%
Home Value
$166,400 ↓ 44%
$1,274/mo ↑ 22%
Owner Costs
$1,046/mo ↓ 18%
376,035
Population
121,944

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
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing New Orleans, LA and Independence, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 90 and 67 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $150/month cheaper in Independence, saving renters about $1,800/year.

Median household income is $4,141/year higher in Independence. Home values also differ significantly — the median in New Orleans is $296,400 compared to $166,400 in Independence.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

New Orleans vs Independence — common questions

Is New Orleans or Independence cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Independence is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 90 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between New Orleans and Independence?
Median rent in New Orleans is $1,211/month and in Independence it's $1,061/month — a difference of $150/month.
Which city has higher income, New Orleans or Independence?
Median household income is $55,339 in New Orleans and $59,480 in Independence. Median household income is $4,141/year higher in Independence.
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 Independence?
It depends on your priorities. New Orleans has a cost index of 90 with median rent of $1,211/mo, while Independence has a cost index of 67 with rent of $1,061/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View New Orleans details → View Independence details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for New Orleans and Independence

New Orleans vs. Aurora New Orleans vs. Cleveland New Orleans vs. Tampa New Orleans vs. Honolulu New Orleans vs. Arlington New Orleans vs. Anaheim Independence vs. College Station Independence vs. Rochester Independence vs. Clovis Independence vs. Lafayette Independence vs. Arvada Independence vs. Ann Arbor