Cost of Living: New Orleans, LA vs Reno, NV (2026)

New Orleans

Louisiana
90
VS

Reno

Nevada
122

New Orleans is 26% cheaper than Reno.

$1,211/mo ↓ 17%
Median Rent
$1,453/mo ↑ 20%
$55,339/yr ↓ 29%
Median Income
$78,448/yr ↑ 42%
$296,400 ↓ 41%
Home Value
$498,600 ↑ 68%
$1,274/mo ↓ 14%
Owner Costs
$1,482/mo ↑ 16%
376,035
Population
268,959

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
0%
4.45%
State Sales Tax
6.85%
0.55%
Property Tax
0.53%

Affordability

26.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing New Orleans, LA and Reno, NV, the overall cost of living indices are 90 and 122 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $242/month cheaper in New Orleans, saving renters about $2,904/year.

Median household income is $23,109/year higher in Reno. Home values also differ significantly — the median in New Orleans is $296,400 compared to $498,600 in Reno.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

New Orleans vs Reno — common questions

Is New Orleans or Reno cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, New Orleans is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 122 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between New Orleans and Reno?
Median rent in New Orleans is $1,211/month and in Reno it's $1,453/month — a difference of $242/month.
Which city has higher income, New Orleans or Reno?
Median household income is $55,339 in New Orleans and $78,448 in Reno. Median household income is $23,109/year higher in Reno.
How do taxes compare between Louisiana and Nevada?
Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax. Nevada has 0% income tax, 6.85% sales tax, and 0.53% property tax.
Should I move to New Orleans or Reno?
It depends on your priorities. New Orleans has a cost index of 90 with median rent of $1,211/mo, while Reno has a cost index of 122 with rent of $1,453/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View New Orleans details → View Reno details →

More Comparisons

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