Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
20% cheaper
New Orleans is 20% more affordable than Fort Lauderdale. A $75,000 salary in Fort Lauderdale is equivalent to $59,631 in New Orleans.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Florida salaries · Louisiana salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Fort Lauderdale has a housing index of 155 while New Orleans sits at 95 (national average = 100). The median home in Fort Lauderdale costs $380,000 compared to $245,000 in New Orleans, a difference of $135,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $2,000 in Fort Lauderdale versus $1,200 in New Orleans.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Fort Lauderdale scores 106 while New Orleans scores 99.
Healthcare costs in Fort Lauderdale (99) are higher than New Orleans (94). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Fort Lauderdale is $54,468 compared to $43,258 in New Orleans. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in New Orleans.
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