Cost of Living: New Orleans, LA vs Knoxville, TN (2026)

New Orleans

Louisiana
90
VS

Knoxville

Tennessee
74

New Orleans is 22% more expensive than Knoxville.

$1,211/mo ↑ 9%
Median Rent
$1,116/mo ↓ 8%
$55,339/yr ↑ 9%
Median Income
$50,994/yr ↓ 8%
$296,400 ↑ 39%
Home Value
$214,000 ↓ 28%
$1,274/mo ↑ 19%
Owner Costs
$1,075/mo ↓ 16%
376,035
Population
193,721

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
0%
4.45%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.55%
Property Tax
0.64%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing New Orleans, LA and Knoxville, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 90 and 74 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $95/month cheaper in Knoxville, saving renters about $1,140/year.

Median household income is $4,345/year higher in New Orleans. Home values also differ significantly — the median in New Orleans is $296,400 compared to $214,000 in Knoxville.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Knoxville residents a significant tax advantage over Louisiana's 4.25% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

New Orleans vs Knoxville — common questions

Is New Orleans or Knoxville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Knoxville is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 90 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between New Orleans and Knoxville?
Median rent in New Orleans is $1,211/month and in Knoxville it's $1,116/month — a difference of $95/month.
Which city has higher income, New Orleans or Knoxville?
Median household income is $55,339 in New Orleans and $50,994 in Knoxville. Median household income is $4,345/year higher in New Orleans.
How do taxes compare between Louisiana and Tennessee?
Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax. Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax.
Should I move to New Orleans or Knoxville?
It depends on your priorities. New Orleans has a cost index of 90 with median rent of $1,211/mo, while Knoxville has a cost index of 74 with rent of $1,116/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View New Orleans details → View Knoxville details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for New Orleans and Knoxville

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