Cost of Living: New Orleans, LA vs Norfolk, VA (2026)

New Orleans

Louisiana
90
VS

Norfolk

Virginia
89

New Orleans and Norfolk have a similar cost of living.

$1,211/mo ↓ 3%
Median Rent
$1,246/mo ↑ 3%
$55,339/yr ↓ 14%
Median Income
$64,017/yr ↑ 16%
$296,400 ↑ 9%
Home Value
$271,900 ↓ 8%
$1,274/mo ↓ 7%
Owner Costs
$1,366/mo ↑ 7%
376,035
Population
235,037

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
5.75%
4.45%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
0.55%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

26.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing New Orleans, LA and Norfolk, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 90 and 89 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $8,678/year higher in Norfolk. Home values also differ significantly — the median in New Orleans is $296,400 compared to $271,900 in Norfolk.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

New Orleans vs Norfolk — common questions

Is New Orleans or Norfolk cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Norfolk is cheaper to live in with an index of 89 compared to 90 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between New Orleans and Norfolk?
Median rent in New Orleans is $1,211/month and in Norfolk it's $1,246/month — a difference of $35/month.
Which city has higher income, New Orleans or Norfolk?
Median household income is $55,339 in New Orleans and $64,017 in Norfolk. Median household income is $8,678/year higher in Norfolk.
How do taxes compare between Louisiana and Virginia?
Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to New Orleans or Norfolk?
It depends on your priorities. New Orleans has a cost index of 90 with median rent of $1,211/mo, while Norfolk has a cost index of 89 with rent of $1,246/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View New Orleans details → View Norfolk details →

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