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

New Orleans

Louisiana
90
VS

Lakeland

Florida
82

New Orleans is 10% more expensive than Lakeland.

$1,211/mo ↓ 7%
Median Rent
$1,299/mo ↑ 7%
$55,339/yr ↓ 9%
Median Income
$60,947/yr ↑ 10%
$296,400 ↑ 29%
Home Value
$229,100 ↓ 23%
$1,274/mo ↑ 11%
Owner Costs
$1,149/mo ↓ 10%
376,035
Population
117,030

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
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing New Orleans, LA and Lakeland, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 90 and 82 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $88/month cheaper in New Orleans, saving renters about $1,056/year.

Median household income is $5,608/year higher in Lakeland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in New Orleans is $296,400 compared to $229,100 in Lakeland.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

New Orleans vs Lakeland — common questions

Is New Orleans or Lakeland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lakeland is cheaper to live in with an index of 82 compared to 90 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between New Orleans and Lakeland?
Median rent in New Orleans is $1,211/month and in Lakeland it's $1,299/month — a difference of $88/month.
Which city has higher income, New Orleans or Lakeland?
Median household income is $55,339 in New Orleans and $60,947 in Lakeland. Median household income is $5,608/year higher in Lakeland.
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 Lakeland?
It depends on your priorities. New Orleans has a cost index of 90 with median rent of $1,211/mo, while Lakeland has a cost index of 82 with rent of $1,299/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View New Orleans details → View Lakeland details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for New Orleans and Lakeland

New Orleans vs. Aurora New Orleans vs. Cleveland New Orleans vs. Tampa New Orleans vs. Honolulu New Orleans vs. Arlington New Orleans vs. Anaheim Lakeland vs. Clearwater Lakeland vs. The Woodlands Lakeland vs. North Charleston Lakeland vs. Evansville Lakeland vs. Cambridge Lakeland vs. Brandon