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

Phoenix

Arizona
109
VS

New Orleans

Louisiana
90

Phoenix is 21% more expensive than New Orleans.

$1,458/mo ↑ 20%
Median Rent
$1,211/mo ↓ 17%
$77,041/yr ↑ 39%
Median Income
$55,339/yr ↓ 28%
$381,900 ↑ 29%
Home Value
$296,400 ↓ 22%
$1,430/mo ↑ 12%
Owner Costs
$1,274/mo ↓ 11%
1,624,832
Population
376,035

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
4.25%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Phoenix, AZ and New Orleans, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 109 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $247/month cheaper in New Orleans, saving renters about $2,964/year.

Median household income is $21,702/year higher in Phoenix. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Phoenix is $381,900 compared to $296,400 in New Orleans.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Phoenix vs New Orleans — common questions

Is Phoenix or New Orleans cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, New Orleans is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 109 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Phoenix and New Orleans?
Median rent in Phoenix is $1,458/month and in New Orleans it's $1,211/month — a difference of $247/month.
Which city has higher income, Phoenix or New Orleans?
Median household income is $77,041 in Phoenix and $55,339 in New Orleans. Median household income is $21,702/year higher in Phoenix.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Louisiana?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Phoenix or New Orleans?
It depends on your priorities. Phoenix has a cost index of 109 with median rent of $1,458/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 Phoenix details → View New Orleans details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Phoenix and New Orleans

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