Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
7% cheaper
Omaha is 7% more affordable than New Orleans. A $75,000 salary in New Orleans is equivalent to $69,588 in Omaha.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Louisiana salaries · Nebraska salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. New Orleans has a housing index of 95 while Omaha sits at 76 (national average = 100). The median home in New Orleans costs $245,000 compared to $230,000 in Omaha, a difference of $15,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,200 in New Orleans versus $1,100 in Omaha.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: New Orleans scores 99 while Omaha scores 97. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in New Orleans (94) are lower than Omaha (96). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in New Orleans is $43,258 compared to $59,612 in Omaha. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Omaha.
Amazon affiliate links