Cost of Living: New Orleans, LA vs Orlando, FL (2026)

New Orleans

Louisiana
90
VS

Orlando

Florida
115

New Orleans is 22% cheaper than Orlando.

$1,211/mo ↓ 27%
Median Rent
$1,650/mo ↑ 36%
$55,339/yr ↓ 20%
Median Income
$69,268/yr ↑ 25%
$296,400 ↓ 17%
Home Value
$359,000 ↑ 21%
$1,274/mo ↓ 21%
Owner Costs
$1,621/mo ↑ 27%
376,035
Population
311,732

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
0%
4.45%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.55%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

26.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing New Orleans, LA and Orlando, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 90 and 115 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $439/month cheaper in New Orleans, saving renters about $5,268/year.

Median household income is $13,929/year higher in Orlando. Home values also differ significantly — the median in New Orleans is $296,400 compared to $359,000 in Orlando.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Orlando residents a significant tax advantage over Louisiana's 4.25% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

New Orleans vs Orlando — common questions

Is New Orleans or Orlando cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, New Orleans is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 115 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between New Orleans and Orlando?
Median rent in New Orleans is $1,211/month and in Orlando it's $1,650/month — a difference of $439/month.
Which city has higher income, New Orleans or Orlando?
Median household income is $55,339 in New Orleans and $69,268 in Orlando. Median household income is $13,929/year higher in Orlando.
How do taxes compare between Louisiana and Florida?
Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to New Orleans or Orlando?
It depends on your priorities. New Orleans has a cost index of 90 with median rent of $1,211/mo, while Orlando has a cost index of 115 with rent of $1,650/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for New Orleans and Orlando

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