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Cost of Living: Chicago, IL 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
2.9% 2.9% cheaper housing
3.8% 3.8% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 2.9% cheaper
Chicago
105
New Orleans
102
🛒 Groceries 3.8% cheaper
Chicago
104
New Orleans
100
🚗 Transportation 12.3% cheaper
Chicago
114
New Orleans
100
🏥 Healthcare 6.8% cheaper
Chicago
103
New Orleans
96
⚡ Utilities 3.0% more
Chicago
101
New Orleans
104

Detailed Breakdown

Category Chicago, IL New Orleans, LA Difference
Overall Cost Index107988.4% less
Housing1051022.9% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,700$1,25026.5% less
Median Home Price$310,000$270,00012.9% less
Groceries1041003.8% less
Transportation11410012.3% less
Healthcare103966.8% less
Utilities1011043.0% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Chicago, IL New Orleans, LA
State Income Tax4.95%4.25%
State Sales Tax6.25%4.45%
Avg Property Tax Rate1.95%0.55%
Estate / Inheritance TaxYesNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Chicago, IL
$74,000
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 Chicago lifestyle.

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

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Chicago4.8%
New Orleans4.8%
Job Growth (YoY)
Chicago2.1%
New Orleans2.0%
Top Industries
ChicagoFinance, Manufacturing, Healthcare
New OrleansTourism, Energy, Port/Shipping

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Chicago35 min
New Orleans26 min
Walk Score
Chicago78
New Orleans57
Air Quality (AQI)
Chicago44
New Orleans42
Avg Temperature
Chicago50°F
New Orleans69°F
Population
Chicago2,665,039
New Orleans383,997

Moving from Chicago to New Orleans?

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Chicago 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

Chicago vs Austin → Chicago vs Denver → Chicago vs Nashville → New Orleans vs Raleigh → New Orleans vs Portland → New Orleans vs Phoenix →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Chicago 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 2.9%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Chicago vs New Orleans?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,700/month in Chicago and $1,250/month in New Orleans — a difference of about $450 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Chicago or New Orleans?+
Illinois has a state income tax of 4.95% and sales tax of 6.25%. 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 Chicago to New Orleans?+
Median household income in Chicago is $74,000 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 Chicago vs New Orleans?+
The median home price in Chicago is $310,000 versus $270,000 in New Orleans — a difference of $40,000. Property tax rates also differ: Illinois averages 1.95% while Louisiana averages 0.55%.