Cost of Living: New Orleans, LA vs Scottsdale, AZ (2026)

New Orleans

Louisiana
90
VS

Scottsdale

Arizona
165

New Orleans is 45% cheaper than Scottsdale.

$1,211/mo ↓ 37%
Median Rent
$1,910/mo ↑ 58%
$55,339/yr ↓ 48%
Median Income
$107,372/yr ↑ 94%
$296,400 ↓ 58%
Home Value
$709,900 ↑ 140%
$1,274/mo ↓ 30%
Owner Costs
$1,824/mo ↑ 43%
376,035
Population
242,169

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
2.5%
4.45%
State Sales Tax
5.6%
0.55%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

26.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing New Orleans, LA and Scottsdale, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 90 and 165 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $699/month cheaper in New Orleans, saving renters about $8,388/year.

Median household income is $52,033/year higher in Scottsdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in New Orleans is $296,400 compared to $709,900 in Scottsdale.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Scottsdale slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

New Orleans vs Scottsdale — common questions

Is New Orleans or Scottsdale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, New Orleans is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 165 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between New Orleans and Scottsdale?
Median rent in New Orleans is $1,211/month and in Scottsdale it's $1,910/month — a difference of $699/month.
Which city has higher income, New Orleans or Scottsdale?
Median household income is $55,339 in New Orleans and $107,372 in Scottsdale. Median household income is $52,033/year higher in Scottsdale.
How do taxes compare between Louisiana and Arizona?
Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax. Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to New Orleans or Scottsdale?
It depends on your priorities. New Orleans has a cost index of 90 with median rent of $1,211/mo, while Scottsdale has a cost index of 165 with rent of $1,910/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View New Orleans details → View Scottsdale details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for New Orleans and Scottsdale

New Orleans vs. Aurora New Orleans vs. Cleveland New Orleans vs. Tampa New Orleans vs. Honolulu New Orleans vs. Arlington New Orleans vs. Anaheim Scottsdale vs. Garland Scottsdale vs. Boise Scottsdale vs. Glendale Scottsdale vs. Arlington Scottsdale vs. Winston-Salem Scottsdale vs. Norfolk