Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
10% cheaper
New Orleans is 10% more affordable than Asheville. A $75,000 salary in Asheville is equivalent to $67,361 in New Orleans.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: North Carolina salaries · Louisiana salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Asheville has a housing index of 120 while New Orleans sits at 95 (national average = 100). The median home in Asheville costs $360,000 compared to $245,000 in New Orleans, a difference of $115,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,500 in Asheville versus $1,200 in New Orleans.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Asheville scores 103 while New Orleans scores 99. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Asheville (106) are higher than New Orleans (94). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Asheville is $48,534 compared to $43,258 in New Orleans. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in New Orleans.
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