Cost of Living: New Orleans, LA vs Kansas City, KS (2026)

New Orleans

Louisiana
90
VS

Kansas City

Kansas City
65

New Orleans is 38% more expensive than Kansas City.

$1,211/mo ↑ 13%
Median Rent
$1,073/mo ↓ 11%
$55,339/yr ↓ 6%
Median Income
$59,183/yr ↑ 7%
$296,400 ↑ 101%
Home Value
$147,100 ↓ 50%
$1,274/mo ↑ 21%
Owner Costs
$1,054/mo ↓ 17%
376,035
Population
154,776

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
5.7%
4.45%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.55%
Property Tax
1.41%

Affordability

26.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing New Orleans, LA and Kansas City, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 90 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $138/month cheaper in Kansas City, saving renters about $1,656/year.

Median household income is $3,844/year higher in Kansas City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in New Orleans is $296,400 compared to $147,100 in Kansas City.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

New Orleans vs Kansas City — common questions

Is New Orleans or Kansas City cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Kansas City is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 90 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between New Orleans and Kansas City?
Median rent in New Orleans is $1,211/month and in Kansas City it's $1,073/month — a difference of $138/month.
Which city has higher income, New Orleans or Kansas City?
Median household income is $55,339 in New Orleans and $59,183 in Kansas City. Median household income is $3,844/year higher in Kansas City.
How do taxes compare between Louisiana and Kansas?
Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax. Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax.
Should I move to New Orleans or Kansas City?
It depends on your priorities. New Orleans has a cost index of 90 with median rent of $1,211/mo, while Kansas City has a cost index of 65 with rent of $1,073/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View New Orleans details → View Kansas City details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for New Orleans and Kansas City

New Orleans vs. Aurora New Orleans vs. Cleveland New Orleans vs. Tampa New Orleans vs. Honolulu New Orleans vs. Arlington New Orleans vs. Anaheim Kansas City vs. Killeen Kansas City vs. Springfield Kansas City vs. Lakewood Kansas City vs. Sunnyvale Kansas City vs. Macon Kansas City vs. Hollywood