Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
6% cheaper
Huntsville is 6% more affordable than New Orleans. A $75,000 salary in New Orleans is equivalent to $70,361 in Huntsville.
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. Huntsville has a housing index of 79 while New Orleans sits at 95 (national average = 100). The median home in Huntsville costs $260,000 compared to $245,000 in New Orleans, a difference of $15,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,200 in Huntsville versus $1,200 in New Orleans.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Huntsville scores 96 while New Orleans scores 99. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Huntsville (93) are lower than New Orleans (94). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Huntsville is $56,098 compared to $43,258 in New Orleans. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Huntsville.
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