Cost of Living: New Orleans, LA vs Springfield, MO (2026)

New Orleans

Louisiana
90
VS

Springfield

Missouri
60

New Orleans is 50% more expensive than Springfield.

$1,211/mo ↑ 32%
Median Rent
$920/mo ↓ 24%
$55,339/yr ↑ 20%
Median Income
$45,984/yr ↓ 17%
$296,400 ↑ 79%
Home Value
$165,200 ↓ 44%
$1,274/mo ↑ 40%
Owner Costs
$908/mo ↓ 29%
376,035
Population
169,432

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
4.95%
4.45%
State Sales Tax
4.225%
0.55%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

26.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing New Orleans, LA and Springfield, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 90 and 60 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $291/month cheaper in Springfield, saving renters about $3,492/year.

Median household income is $9,355/year higher in New Orleans. Home values also differ significantly — the median in New Orleans is $296,400 compared to $165,200 in Springfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

New Orleans vs Springfield — common questions

Is New Orleans or Springfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Springfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 60 compared to 90 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between New Orleans and Springfield?
Median rent in New Orleans is $1,211/month and in Springfield it's $920/month — a difference of $291/month.
Which city has higher income, New Orleans or Springfield?
Median household income is $55,339 in New Orleans and $45,984 in Springfield. Median household income is $9,355/year higher in New Orleans.
How do taxes compare between Louisiana and Missouri?
Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax. Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to New Orleans or Springfield?
It depends on your priorities. New Orleans has a cost index of 90 with median rent of $1,211/mo, while Springfield has a cost index of 60 with rent of $920/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View New Orleans details → View Springfield details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for New Orleans and Springfield

New Orleans vs. Aurora New Orleans vs. Cleveland New Orleans vs. Tampa New Orleans vs. Honolulu New Orleans vs. Arlington New Orleans vs. Anaheim Springfield vs. Fort Collins Springfield vs. Palmdale Springfield vs. Lancaster Springfield vs. Salinas Springfield vs. Pembroke Pines Springfield vs. Hayward