Cost of Living: New Orleans, LA vs Madison, WI (2026)

New Orleans

Louisiana
90
VS

Madison

Wisconsin
103

New Orleans is 13% cheaper than Madison.

$1,211/mo ↓ 11%
Median Rent
$1,364/mo ↑ 13%
$55,339/yr ↓ 28%
Median Income
$76,983/yr ↑ 39%
$296,400 ↓ 15%
Home Value
$346,900 ↑ 17%
$1,274/mo ↓ 14%
Owner Costs
$1,476/mo ↑ 16%
376,035
Population
275,568

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
7.65%
4.45%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
0.55%
Property Tax
1.61%

Affordability

26.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing New Orleans, LA and Madison, WI, the overall cost of living indices are 90 and 103 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $153/month cheaper in New Orleans, saving renters about $1,836/year.

Median household income is $21,644/year higher in Madison. Home values also differ significantly — the median in New Orleans is $296,400 compared to $346,900 in Madison.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

New Orleans vs Madison — common questions

Is New Orleans or Madison cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, New Orleans is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 103 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between New Orleans and Madison?
Median rent in New Orleans is $1,211/month and in Madison it's $1,364/month — a difference of $153/month.
Which city has higher income, New Orleans or Madison?
Median household income is $55,339 in New Orleans and $76,983 in Madison. Median household income is $21,644/year higher in Madison.
How do taxes compare between Louisiana and Wisconsin?
Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax. Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax.
Should I move to New Orleans or Madison?
It depends on your priorities. New Orleans has a cost index of 90 with median rent of $1,211/mo, while Madison has a cost index of 103 with rent of $1,364/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View New Orleans details → View Madison details →

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