Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
3% cheaper
New Orleans is 3% more affordable than Phoenix. A $75,000 salary in Phoenix is equivalent to $72,750 in New Orleans.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Louisiana salaries · Arizona salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. New Orleans has a housing index of 95 while Phoenix sits at 102 (national average = 100). The median home in New Orleans costs $245,000 compared to $350,000 in Phoenix, a difference of $105,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,200 in New Orleans versus $1,400 in Phoenix.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: New Orleans scores 99 while Phoenix scores 99. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in New Orleans (94) are lower than Phoenix (95). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in New Orleans is $43,258 compared to $57,459 in Phoenix. When adjusted for cost of living, purchasing power is similar in both cities.
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