Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
10% cheaper
Birmingham is 10% more affordable than New Orleans. A $75,000 salary in New Orleans is equivalent to $67,268 in Birmingham.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Alabama salaries · Louisiana salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Birmingham has a housing index of 67 while New Orleans sits at 95 (national average = 100). The median home in Birmingham costs $165,000 compared to $245,000 in New Orleans, a difference of $80,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,000 in Birmingham versus $1,200 in New Orleans.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Birmingham scores 96 while New Orleans scores 99. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Birmingham (91) are lower than New Orleans (94).
Median household income in Birmingham is $38,178 compared to $43,258 in New Orleans. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Birmingham.
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