Cost of Living: New Orleans, LA vs St. Petersburg, FL (2026)

New Orleans

Louisiana
90
VS

St. Petersburg

Florida
106

New Orleans is 15% cheaper than St. Petersburg.

$1,211/mo ↓ 21%
Median Rent
$1,542/mo ↑ 27%
$55,339/yr ↓ 24%
Median Income
$73,118/yr ↑ 32%
$296,400 ↓ 11%
Home Value
$331,500 ↑ 12%
$1,274/mo ↓ 11%
Owner Costs
$1,435/mo ↑ 13%
376,035
Population
260,646

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
0%
4.45%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.55%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

26.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing New Orleans, LA and St. Petersburg, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 90 and 106 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $331/month cheaper in New Orleans, saving renters about $3,972/year.

Median household income is $17,779/year higher in St. Petersburg. Home values also differ significantly — the median in New Orleans is $296,400 compared to $331,500 in St. Petersburg.

Florida has no state income tax, giving St. Petersburg residents a significant tax advantage over Louisiana's 4.25% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

New Orleans vs St. Petersburg — common questions

Is New Orleans or St. Petersburg cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, New Orleans is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 106 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between New Orleans and St. Petersburg?
Median rent in New Orleans is $1,211/month and in St. Petersburg it's $1,542/month — a difference of $331/month.
Which city has higher income, New Orleans or St. Petersburg?
Median household income is $55,339 in New Orleans and $73,118 in St. Petersburg. Median household income is $17,779/year higher in St. Petersburg.
How do taxes compare between Louisiana and Florida?
Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to New Orleans or St. Petersburg?
It depends on your priorities. New Orleans has a cost index of 90 with median rent of $1,211/mo, while St. Petersburg has a cost index of 106 with rent of $1,542/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View New Orleans details → View St. Petersburg details →

More Comparisons

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

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