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

New Orleans

Louisiana
90
VS

Surprise

Arizona
126

New Orleans is 29% cheaper than Surprise.

$1,211/mo ↓ 37%
Median Rent
$1,917/mo ↑ 58%
$55,339/yr ↓ 41%
Median Income
$93,371/yr ↑ 69%
$296,400 ↓ 25%
Home Value
$396,000 ↑ 34%
$1,274/mo ↓ 20%
Owner Costs
$1,587/mo ↑ 25%
376,035
Population
149,519

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
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing New Orleans, LA and Surprise, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 90 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $706/month cheaper in New Orleans, saving renters about $8,472/year.

Median household income is $38,032/year higher in Surprise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in New Orleans is $296,400 compared to $396,000 in Surprise.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

New Orleans vs Surprise — common questions

Is New Orleans or Surprise cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, New Orleans is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between New Orleans and Surprise?
Median rent in New Orleans is $1,211/month and in Surprise it's $1,917/month — a difference of $706/month.
Which city has higher income, New Orleans or Surprise?
Median household income is $55,339 in New Orleans and $93,371 in Surprise. Median household income is $38,032/year higher in Surprise.
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 Surprise?
It depends on your priorities. New Orleans has a cost index of 90 with median rent of $1,211/mo, while Surprise has a cost index of 126 with rent of $1,917/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View New Orleans details → View Surprise details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for New Orleans and Surprise

New Orleans vs. Aurora New Orleans vs. Cleveland New Orleans vs. Tampa New Orleans vs. Honolulu New Orleans vs. Arlington New Orleans vs. Anaheim Surprise vs. Joliet Surprise vs. Naperville Surprise vs. Jackson Surprise vs. Pasadena Surprise vs. Escondido Surprise vs. Mesquite