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Cost of Living: Atlanta, GA vs New Orleans, LA

A data-driven comparison of housing, groceries, transportation, taxes, job market and more. See which city gives you more for your money.

8.4% New Orleans, LA is cheaper overall
10.5% 10.5% cheaper housing
2.0% 2.0% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 10.5% cheaper
Atlanta
114
New Orleans
102
🛒 Groceries ~Same
Atlanta
102
New Orleans
100
🚗 Transportation 8.3% cheaper
Atlanta
109
New Orleans
100
🏥 Healthcare 5.9% cheaper
Atlanta
102
New Orleans
96
⚡ Utilities 5.1% more
Atlanta
99
New Orleans
104

Detailed Breakdown

Category Atlanta, GA New Orleans, LA Difference
Overall Cost Index107988.4% less
Housing11410210.5% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,650$1,25024.2% less
Median Home Price$380,000$270,00028.9% less
Groceries102100~Same
Transportation1091008.3% less
Healthcare102965.9% less
Utilities991045.1% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Atlanta, GA New Orleans, LA
State Income Tax5.39%4.25%
State Sales Tax4.00%4.45%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.72%0.55%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Atlanta, GA
$75,000
Median household income
New Orleans, LA
$52,000
Median household income
⚠️ Heads up: New Orleans costs more but median income is lower. You may need to earn more to maintain the same standard of living.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

Find out what you'd need to earn in New Orleans to maintain your Atlanta lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Atlanta (107) vs New Orleans (98). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Atlanta3.7%
New Orleans4.8%
Job Growth (YoY)
Atlanta3.4%
New Orleans2.0%
Top Industries
AtlantaLogistics, Film, Tech
New OrleansTourism, Energy, Port/Shipping

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Atlanta32 min
New Orleans26 min
Walk Score
Atlanta48
New Orleans57
Air Quality (AQI)
Atlanta43
New Orleans42
Avg Temperature
Atlanta62°F
New Orleans69°F
Population
Atlanta499,127
New Orleans383,997

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Planning Your Move?

Here are some helpful resources if you're considering relocating.

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Atlanta and New Orleans → 🚚 Get Moving QuotesCompare prices from top movers → 📈 Check Home ValuesSee real estate trends in both cities → 💼 Search JobsFind open positions in New Orleans →

Compare Other Cities

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Atlanta or New Orleans cheaper to live in?+
New Orleans is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 10.5%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Atlanta vs New Orleans?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,650/month in Atlanta and $1,250/month in New Orleans — a difference of about $400 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Atlanta or New Orleans?+
Georgia has a state income tax of 5.39% and sales tax of 4.00%. Louisiana has a state income tax of 4.25% and sales tax of 4.45%. Consider all tax types together when evaluating total tax burden, as states with no income tax often compensate with higher sales or property taxes.
Can I afford to move from Atlanta to New Orleans?+
Median household income in Atlanta is $75,000 compared to $52,000 in New Orleans. Use the salary calculator above to see what you'd need to earn to maintain your current standard of living.
What about buying a home in Atlanta vs New Orleans?+
The median home price in Atlanta is $380,000 versus $270,000 in New Orleans — a difference of $110,000. Property tax rates also differ: Georgia averages 0.72% while Louisiana averages 0.55%.