Cost of Living: New Orleans, LA vs Naperville, IL (2026)

New Orleans

Louisiana
90
VS

Naperville

Illinois
147

New Orleans is 39% cheaper than Naperville.

$1,211/mo ↓ 35%
Median Rent
$1,852/mo ↑ 53%
$55,339/yr ↓ 63%
Median Income
$150,937/yr ↑ 173%
$296,400 ↓ 42%
Home Value
$509,900 ↑ 72%
$1,274/mo ↓ 41%
Owner Costs
$2,161/mo ↑ 70%
376,035
Population
149,424

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
4.95%
4.45%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.55%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

26.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
14.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing New Orleans, LA and Naperville, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 90 and 147 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $641/month cheaper in New Orleans, saving renters about $7,692/year.

Median household income is $95,598/year higher in Naperville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in New Orleans is $296,400 compared to $509,900 in Naperville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

New Orleans vs Naperville — common questions

Is New Orleans or Naperville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, New Orleans is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between New Orleans and Naperville?
Median rent in New Orleans is $1,211/month and in Naperville it's $1,852/month — a difference of $641/month.
Which city has higher income, New Orleans or Naperville?
Median household income is $55,339 in New Orleans and $150,937 in Naperville. Median household income is $95,598/year higher in Naperville.
How do taxes compare between Louisiana and Illinois?
Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to New Orleans or Naperville?
It depends on your priorities. New Orleans has a cost index of 90 with median rent of $1,211/mo, while Naperville has a cost index of 147 with rent of $1,852/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View New Orleans details → View Naperville details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for New Orleans and Naperville

New Orleans vs. Aurora New Orleans vs. Cleveland New Orleans vs. Tampa New Orleans vs. Honolulu New Orleans vs. Arlington New Orleans vs. Anaheim Naperville vs. Surprise Naperville vs. Pasadena Naperville vs. Joliet Naperville vs. Mesquite Naperville vs. Jackson Naperville vs. Pomona