Cost of Living: New Orleans, LA vs Lincoln, NE (2026)

New Orleans

Louisiana
90
VS

Lincoln

Nebraska
77

New Orleans is 17% more expensive than Lincoln.

$1,211/mo ↑ 16%
Median Rent
$1,045/mo ↓ 14%
$55,339/yr ↓ 21%
Median Income
$69,991/yr ↑ 26%
$296,400 ↑ 19%
Home Value
$248,200 ↓ 16%
$1,274/mo ↑ 12%
Owner Costs
$1,140/mo ↓ 11%
376,035
Population
291,932

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
6.64%
4.45%
State Sales Tax
5.5%
0.55%
Property Tax
1.73%

Affordability

26.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing New Orleans, LA and Lincoln, NE, the overall cost of living indices are 90 and 77 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $166/month cheaper in Lincoln, saving renters about $1,992/year.

Median household income is $14,652/year higher in Lincoln. Home values also differ significantly — the median in New Orleans is $296,400 compared to $248,200 in Lincoln.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

New Orleans vs Lincoln — common questions

Is New Orleans or Lincoln cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lincoln is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 90 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between New Orleans and Lincoln?
Median rent in New Orleans is $1,211/month and in Lincoln it's $1,045/month — a difference of $166/month.
Which city has higher income, New Orleans or Lincoln?
Median household income is $55,339 in New Orleans and $69,991 in Lincoln. Median household income is $14,652/year higher in Lincoln.
How do taxes compare between Louisiana and Nebraska?
Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax. Nebraska has 6.64% income tax, 5.5% sales tax, and 1.73% property tax.
Should I move to New Orleans or Lincoln?
It depends on your priorities. New Orleans has a cost index of 90 with median rent of $1,211/mo, while Lincoln has a cost index of 77 with rent of $1,045/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View New Orleans details → View Lincoln details →

More Comparisons

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