Cost of Living: New Orleans, LA vs Salt Lake City, UT (2026)

New Orleans

Louisiana
90
VS

Salt Lake City

Utah
117

New Orleans is 23% cheaper than Salt Lake City.

$1,211/mo ↓ 10%
Median Rent
$1,343/mo ↑ 11%
$55,339/yr ↓ 26%
Median Income
$74,925/yr ↑ 35%
$296,400 ↓ 40%
Home Value
$495,700 ↑ 67%
$1,274/mo ↓ 9%
Owner Costs
$1,394/mo ↑ 9%
376,035
Population
203,888

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
4.65%
4.45%
State Sales Tax
6.1%
0.55%
Property Tax
0.58%

Affordability

26.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing New Orleans, LA and Salt Lake City, UT, the overall cost of living indices are 90 and 117 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $132/month cheaper in New Orleans, saving renters about $1,584/year.

Median household income is $19,586/year higher in Salt Lake City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in New Orleans is $296,400 compared to $495,700 in Salt Lake City.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

New Orleans vs Salt Lake City — common questions

Is New Orleans or Salt Lake City cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, New Orleans is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 117 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between New Orleans and Salt Lake City?
Median rent in New Orleans is $1,211/month and in Salt Lake City it's $1,343/month — a difference of $132/month.
Which city has higher income, New Orleans or Salt Lake City?
Median household income is $55,339 in New Orleans and $74,925 in Salt Lake City. Median household income is $19,586/year higher in Salt Lake City.
How do taxes compare between Louisiana and Utah?
Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax. Utah has 4.65% income tax, 6.1% sales tax, and 0.58% property tax.
Should I move to New Orleans or Salt Lake City?
It depends on your priorities. New Orleans has a cost index of 90 with median rent of $1,211/mo, while Salt Lake City has a cost index of 117 with rent of $1,343/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View New Orleans details → View Salt Lake City details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for New Orleans and Salt Lake City

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