Cost of Living: New Orleans, LA vs St. Louis, MO (2026)

New Orleans

Louisiana
90
VS

St. Louis

Missouri
66

New Orleans is 36% more expensive than St. Louis.

$1,211/mo ↑ 24%
Median Rent
$978/mo ↓ 19%
$55,339/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$55,279/yr ≈ Same
$296,400 ↑ 60%
Home Value
$185,100 ↓ 38%
$1,274/mo ↑ 26%
Owner Costs
$1,013/mo ↓ 20%
376,035
Population
293,109

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
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing New Orleans, LA and St. Louis, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 90 and 66 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $233/month cheaper in St. Louis, saving renters about $2,796/year.

Median household income is $60/year higher in New Orleans. Home values also differ significantly — the median in New Orleans is $296,400 compared to $185,100 in St. Louis.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

New Orleans vs St. Louis — common questions

Is New Orleans or St. Louis cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, St. Louis is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 90 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between New Orleans and St. Louis?
Median rent in New Orleans is $1,211/month and in St. Louis it's $978/month — a difference of $233/month.
Which city has higher income, New Orleans or St. Louis?
Median household income is $55,339 in New Orleans and $55,279 in St. Louis. Median household income is $60/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 St. Louis?
It depends on your priorities. New Orleans has a cost index of 90 with median rent of $1,211/mo, while St. Louis has a cost index of 66 with rent of $978/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for New Orleans and St. Louis

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