Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
3% cheaper
New Orleans is 3% more affordable than St. Paul. A $75,000 salary in St. Paul 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 · Minnesota salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. New Orleans has a housing index of 95 while St. Paul sits at 98 (national average = 100). The median home in New Orleans costs $245,000 compared to $260,000 in St. Paul, a difference of $15,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,200 in New Orleans versus $1,300 in St. Paul.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: New Orleans scores 99 while St. Paul scores 103. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in New Orleans (94) are lower than St. Paul (105). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in New Orleans is $43,258 compared to $57,718 in St. Paul. When adjusted for cost of living, purchasing power is similar in both cities.
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