Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
9% cheaper
Knoxville is 9% more affordable than New Orleans. A $75,000 salary in New Orleans is equivalent to $68,041 in Knoxville.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Tennessee salaries · Louisiana salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Knoxville has a housing index of 73 while New Orleans sits at 95 (national average = 100). The median home in Knoxville costs $240,000 compared to $245,000 in New Orleans, a difference of $5,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,100 in Knoxville versus $1,200 in New Orleans.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Knoxville scores 94 while New Orleans scores 99.
Healthcare costs in Knoxville (93) are lower than New Orleans (94). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Knoxville is $42,898 compared to $43,258 in New Orleans. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Knoxville.
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