Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
13% cheaper
New Orleans is 13% more affordable than Reno. A $75,000 salary in Reno is equivalent to $65,541 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 · Nevada salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. New Orleans has a housing index of 95 while Reno sits at 133 (national average = 100). The median home in New Orleans costs $245,000 compared to $450,000 in Reno, a difference of $205,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,200 in New Orleans versus $1,600 in Reno.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: New Orleans scores 99 while Reno scores 102. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in New Orleans (94) are lower than Reno (96). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in New Orleans is $43,258 compared to $61,648 in Reno. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in New Orleans.
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