Cost of Living: Virginia Beach, VA vs New Orleans, LA (2026)

Virginia Beach

Virginia
117
VS

New Orleans

Louisiana
90

Virginia Beach is 30% more expensive than New Orleans.

$1,649/mo ↑ 36%
Median Rent
$1,211/mo ↓ 27%
$90,685/yr ↑ 64%
Median Income
$55,339/yr ↓ 39%
$366,300 ↑ 24%
Home Value
$296,400 ↓ 19%
$1,704/mo ↑ 34%
Owner Costs
$1,274/mo ↓ 25%
457,066
Population
376,035

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
4.25%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

21.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Virginia Beach, VA and New Orleans, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 117 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $438/month cheaper in New Orleans, saving renters about $5,256/year.

Median household income is $35,346/year higher in Virginia Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Virginia Beach is $366,300 compared to $296,400 in New Orleans.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Virginia Beach vs New Orleans — common questions

Is Virginia Beach 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 117 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Virginia Beach and New Orleans?
Median rent in Virginia Beach is $1,649/month and in New Orleans it's $1,211/month — a difference of $438/month.
Which city has higher income, Virginia Beach or New Orleans?
Median household income is $90,685 in Virginia Beach and $55,339 in New Orleans. Median household income is $35,346/year higher in Virginia Beach.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Louisiana?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Virginia Beach or New Orleans?
It depends on your priorities. Virginia Beach has a cost index of 117 with median rent of $1,649/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.
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