City Comparison

London vs New Orleans

Cost of Living Comparison · 2026

London

United Kingdom
115
Above Average
$695,000
Median Home
$2,400/mo
Median Rent
$55,000
Median Income

New Orleans

Louisiana
97
Average
$245,000
Median Home
$1,200/mo
Median Rent
$43,258
Median Income

The Verdict

18.6%

The cost gap between these cities is 18.6%, with New Orleans being the more affordable option. A $75,000 income in London has equivalent purchasing power to $63,261 in New Orleans.

Category-by-Category Breakdown

Index values · National average = 100 · Lower is more affordable

Housing
162
London
95
New Orleans
Groceries
92
London
99
New Orleans
Utilities
112
London
91
New Orleans
Transportation
125
London
103
New Orleans
Healthcare
78
London
94
New Orleans

Salary Equivalence

A $75,000 salary in London has the same purchasing power as $63,261 in New Orleans.

Conversely, $75,000 in New Orleans equals $88,918 in London.

Living in London vs New Orleans

Housing Costs

London's housing index of 162 is higher New Orleans's 95, translating to median home prices of $695,000 vs $245,000. The $450,000 difference in home prices means roughly $29,256 per year in additional mortgage costs at current rates. Renters face a similar gap: $2,400/mo in London compared to $1,200/mo in New Orleans, a monthly difference of $1,200.

Grocery & Food Costs

Grocery expenses index at 92 in London and 99 in New Orleans. A household spending the national average of $475/month on groceries would pay approximately $437/month in London vs $470/month in New Orleans. London offers a meaningful advantage on everyday food costs, saving roughly $396/year.

Utility Expenses

Utility costs — electricity, gas, water, internet — index at 112 in London and 91 in New Orleans. Monthly utility bills average approximately $448 in London vs $364 in New Orleans. Climate differences between the two cities drive much of this gap, with heating and cooling costs varying substantially by region.

Healthcare

Healthcare costs index at 78 in London and 94 in New Orleans. This encompasses insurance premiums, doctor visit copays, dental care, and prescription costs. The 16-point gap reflects real differences in provider costs, insurance market competition, and regional healthcare infrastructure.

Income & Purchasing Power

Median household income is $55,000 in London and $43,258 in New Orleans. After adjusting for local costs, purchasing-power-equivalent incomes are approximately $47,826 and $44,596 respectively. London residents enjoy stronger real purchasing power despite higher nominal wages.

Relocation Considerations

Under the standard 28% rule, a median-income household can allocate $1,283/month to housing in London vs $1,009/month in New Orleans. In London, median rent of $2,400/mo exceeds this threshold, suggesting renters may feel stretched. In New Orleans, median rent of $1,200/mo pushes past the recommended limit. The biggest category-level difference between these two cities is Housing, where the gap is 67 index points — focus your budget analysis there.

Frequently Asked Questions

New Orleans is 18.6% more affordable overall with an index of 97 vs 115.
A $75,000 salary in London has equivalent purchasing power to approximately $63,261 in New Orleans, based on the cost of living difference.
London's housing index is 162 with median homes at $695,000, while New Orleans's is 95 with median homes at $245,000.

Moving & Relocation Resources

Moving PlannersFinance BooksBudget Planners

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases