Cost of Living: New Orleans, LA vs Little Rock, AR (2026)

New Orleans

Louisiana
90
VS

Little Rock

Arkansas
74

New Orleans is 22% more expensive than Little Rock.

$1,211/mo ↑ 13%
Median Rent
$1,067/mo ↓ 12%
$55,339/yr ↓ 9%
Median Income
$60,583/yr ↑ 9%
$296,400 ↑ 34%
Home Value
$221,200 ↓ 25%
$1,274/mo ↑ 16%
Owner Costs
$1,099/mo ↓ 14%
376,035
Population
202,739

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
4.4%
4.45%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.55%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

26.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing New Orleans, LA and Little Rock, AR, the overall cost of living indices are 90 and 74 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $144/month cheaper in Little Rock, saving renters about $1,728/year.

Median household income is $5,244/year higher in Little Rock. Home values also differ significantly — the median in New Orleans is $296,400 compared to $221,200 in Little Rock.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

New Orleans vs Little Rock — common questions

Is New Orleans or Little Rock cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Little Rock 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 Little Rock?
Median rent in New Orleans is $1,211/month and in Little Rock it's $1,067/month — a difference of $144/month.
Which city has higher income, New Orleans or Little Rock?
Median household income is $55,339 in New Orleans and $60,583 in Little Rock. Median household income is $5,244/year higher in Little Rock.
How do taxes compare between Louisiana and Arkansas?
Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax. Arkansas has 4.4% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to New Orleans or Little Rock?
It depends on your priorities. New Orleans has a cost index of 90 with median rent of $1,211/mo, while Little Rock has a cost index of 74 with rent of $1,067/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View New Orleans details → View Little Rock details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for New Orleans and Little Rock

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