Cost of Living: Omaha, NE vs New Orleans, LA (2026)

Omaha

Nebraska
80
VS

New Orleans

Louisiana
90

Omaha is 11% cheaper than New Orleans.

$1,150/mo ↓ 5%
Median Rent
$1,211/mo ↑ 5%
$72,708/yr ↑ 31%
Median Income
$55,339/yr ↓ 24%
$230,100 ↓ 22%
Home Value
$296,400 ↑ 29%
$1,249/mo ↓ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,274/mo ↑ 2%
488,197
Population
376,035

Tax Comparison

6.64%
Income Tax
4.25%
5.5%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
1.73%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

19.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Omaha, NE and New Orleans, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $61/month cheaper in Omaha, saving renters about $732/year.

Median household income is $17,369/year higher in Omaha. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Omaha is $230,100 compared to $296,400 in New Orleans.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Omaha vs New Orleans — common questions

Is Omaha or New Orleans cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Omaha is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 90 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Omaha and New Orleans?
Median rent in Omaha is $1,150/month and in New Orleans it's $1,211/month — a difference of $61/month.
Which city has higher income, Omaha or New Orleans?
Median household income is $72,708 in Omaha and $55,339 in New Orleans. Median household income is $17,369/year higher in Omaha.
How do taxes compare between Nebraska and Louisiana?
Nebraska has 6.64% income tax, 5.5% sales tax, and 1.73% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Omaha or New Orleans?
It depends on your priorities. Omaha has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,150/mo, while New Orleans has a cost index of 90 with rent of $1,211/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Omaha details → View New Orleans details →

More Comparisons

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