Cost of Living: New Orleans, LA vs Lexington, KY (2026)

New Orleans

Louisiana
90
VS

Lexington

Kentucky
82

New Orleans is 10% more expensive than Lexington.

$1,211/mo ↑ 10%
Median Rent
$1,101/mo ↓ 9%
$55,339/yr ↓ 18%
Median Income
$67,631/yr ↑ 22%
$296,400 ↑ 9%
Home Value
$272,100 ↓ 8%
$1,274/mo ↑ 10%
Owner Costs
$1,160/mo ↓ 9%
376,035
Population
321,122

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
4.0%
4.45%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.55%
Property Tax
0.83%

Affordability

26.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing New Orleans, LA and Lexington, KY, the overall cost of living indices are 90 and 82 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $110/month cheaper in Lexington, saving renters about $1,320/year.

Median household income is $12,292/year higher in Lexington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in New Orleans is $296,400 compared to $272,100 in Lexington.

Kentucky has a lower income tax rate, making Lexington slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

New Orleans vs Lexington — common questions

Is New Orleans or Lexington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lexington 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 Lexington?
Median rent in New Orleans is $1,211/month and in Lexington it's $1,101/month — a difference of $110/month.
Which city has higher income, New Orleans or Lexington?
Median household income is $55,339 in New Orleans and $67,631 in Lexington. Median household income is $12,292/year higher in Lexington.
How do taxes compare between Louisiana and Kentucky?
Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax. Kentucky has 4.0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax.
Should I move to New Orleans or Lexington?
It depends on your priorities. New Orleans has a cost index of 90 with median rent of $1,211/mo, while Lexington has a cost index of 82 with rent of $1,101/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View New Orleans details → View Lexington details →

More Comparisons

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