Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
13% cheaper
Memphis is 13% more affordable than New Orleans. A $75,000 salary in New Orleans is equivalent to $64,948 in Memphis.
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. Memphis has a housing index of 63 while New Orleans sits at 95 (national average = 100). The median home in Memphis costs $155,000 compared to $245,000 in New Orleans, a difference of $90,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,000 in Memphis versus $1,200 in New Orleans.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Memphis scores 93 while New Orleans scores 99.
Healthcare costs in Memphis (92) are lower than New Orleans (94).
Median household income in Memphis is $41,228 compared to $43,258 in New Orleans. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Memphis.
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