Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
7% cheaper
St. Louis is 7% more affordable than New Orleans. A $75,000 salary in New Orleans is equivalent to $69,588 in St. Louis.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Louisiana salaries · Missouri salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. New Orleans has a housing index of 95 while St. Louis sits at 72 (national average = 100). The median home in New Orleans costs $245,000 compared to $175,000 in St. Louis, a difference of $70,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,200 in New Orleans versus $1,000 in St. Louis.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: New Orleans scores 99 while St. Louis scores 97. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in New Orleans (94) are lower than St. Louis (95). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in New Orleans is $43,258 compared to $45,782 in St. Louis. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in St. Louis.
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