Cost of Living: New Orleans, LA vs Rochester, MN (2026)

New Orleans

Louisiana
90
VS

Rochester

Minnesota
93

New Orleans is 3% cheaper than Rochester.

$1,211/mo ↓ 8%
Median Rent
$1,316/mo ↑ 9%
$55,339/yr ↓ 37%
Median Income
$87,767/yr ↑ 59%
$296,400 ↑ 3%
Home Value
$287,500 ↓ 3%
$1,274/mo ↓ 4%
Owner Costs
$1,332/mo ↑ 5%
376,035
Population
121,638

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
9.85%
4.45%
State Sales Tax
6.875%
0.55%
Property Tax
1.11%

Affordability

26.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing New Orleans, LA and Rochester, MN, the overall cost of living indices are 90 and 93 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $105/month cheaper in New Orleans, saving renters about $1,260/year.

Median household income is $32,428/year higher in Rochester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in New Orleans is $296,400 compared to $287,500 in Rochester.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

New Orleans vs Rochester — common questions

Is New Orleans or Rochester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, New Orleans is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 93 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between New Orleans and Rochester?
Median rent in New Orleans is $1,211/month and in Rochester it's $1,316/month — a difference of $105/month.
Which city has higher income, New Orleans or Rochester?
Median household income is $55,339 in New Orleans and $87,767 in Rochester. Median household income is $32,428/year higher in Rochester.
How do taxes compare between Louisiana and Minnesota?
Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax. Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax.
Should I move to New Orleans or Rochester?
It depends on your priorities. New Orleans has a cost index of 90 with median rent of $1,211/mo, while Rochester has a cost index of 93 with rent of $1,316/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View New Orleans details → View Rochester details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for New Orleans and Rochester

New Orleans vs. Aurora New Orleans vs. Cleveland New Orleans vs. Tampa New Orleans vs. Honolulu New Orleans vs. Arlington New Orleans vs. Anaheim Rochester vs. Independence Rochester vs. Lafayette Rochester vs. College Station Rochester vs. Ann Arbor Rochester vs. Clovis Rochester vs. Berkeley