Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
4% cheaper
Tucson is 4% more affordable than New Orleans. A $75,000 salary in New Orleans is equivalent to $71,907 in Tucson.
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 Tucson sits at 83 (national average = 100). The median home in New Orleans costs $245,000 compared to $265,000 in Tucson, a difference of $20,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,200 in New Orleans versus $1,100 in Tucson.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: New Orleans scores 99 while Tucson scores 98. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in New Orleans (94) are higher than Tucson (93). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in New Orleans is $43,258 compared to $43,425 in Tucson. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Tucson.
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