Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
21% cheaper
New Orleans is 21% more affordable than Scottsdale. A $75,000 salary in Scottsdale is equivalent to $59,146 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 Scottsdale sits at 162 (national average = 100). The median home in New Orleans costs $245,000 compared to $580,000 in Scottsdale, a difference of $335,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,200 in New Orleans versus $2,000 in Scottsdale.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: New Orleans scores 99 while Scottsdale scores 103. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in New Orleans (94) are lower than Scottsdale (95). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in New Orleans is $43,258 compared to $92,298 in Scottsdale. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in New Orleans.
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