Cost of Living: New Orleans, LA vs Meridian, ID (2026)

New Orleans

Louisiana
90
VS

Meridian

Idaho
131

New Orleans is 31% cheaper than Meridian.

$1,211/mo ↓ 29%
Median Rent
$1,714/mo ↑ 42%
$55,339/yr ↓ 44%
Median Income
$98,686/yr ↑ 78%
$296,400 ↓ 39%
Home Value
$485,000 ↑ 64%
$1,274/mo ↓ 21%
Owner Costs
$1,607/mo ↑ 26%
376,035
Population
124,865

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
5.8%
4.45%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.55%
Property Tax
0.63%

Affordability

26.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing New Orleans, LA and Meridian, ID, the overall cost of living indices are 90 and 131 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $503/month cheaper in New Orleans, saving renters about $6,036/year.

Median household income is $43,347/year higher in Meridian. Home values also differ significantly — the median in New Orleans is $296,400 compared to $485,000 in Meridian.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

New Orleans vs Meridian — common questions

Is New Orleans or Meridian cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, New Orleans is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 131 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between New Orleans and Meridian?
Median rent in New Orleans is $1,211/month and in Meridian it's $1,714/month — a difference of $503/month.
Which city has higher income, New Orleans or Meridian?
Median household income is $55,339 in New Orleans and $98,686 in Meridian. Median household income is $43,347/year higher in Meridian.
How do taxes compare between Louisiana and Idaho?
Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax. Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax.
Should I move to New Orleans or Meridian?
It depends on your priorities. New Orleans has a cost index of 90 with median rent of $1,211/mo, while Meridian has a cost index of 131 with rent of $1,714/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View New Orleans details → View Meridian details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for New Orleans and Meridian

New Orleans vs. Aurora New Orleans vs. Cleveland New Orleans vs. Tampa New Orleans vs. Honolulu New Orleans vs. Arlington New Orleans vs. Anaheim Meridian vs. Palm Bay Meridian vs. Vallejo Meridian vs. Allentown Meridian vs. Round Rock Meridian vs. Thousand Oaks Meridian vs. Concord