Home › Compare › Colorado Springs, CO vs New Orleans, LA

Cost of Living: Colorado Springs, CO 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.

3.0% New Orleans, LA is cheaper overall
7.3% 7.3% cheaper housing
2.0% 2.0% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 7.3% cheaper
Colorado Springs
110
New Orleans
102
🛒 Groceries ~Same
Colorado Springs
98
New Orleans
100
🚗 Transportation ~Same
Colorado Springs
98
New Orleans
100
🏥 Healthcare 4.0% cheaper
Colorado Springs
100
New Orleans
96
⚡ Utilities 13.0% more
Colorado Springs
92
New Orleans
104

Detailed Breakdown

Category Colorado Springs, CO New Orleans, LA Difference
Overall Cost Index101983.0% less
Housing1101027.3% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,350$1,2507.4% less
Median Home Price$400,000$270,00032.5% less
Groceries98100~Same
Transportation98100~Same
Healthcare100964.0% less
Utilities9210413.0% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Colorado Springs, CO New Orleans, LA
State Income Tax4.40%4.25%
State Sales Tax2.90%4.45%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.49%0.55%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Colorado Springs, CO
$72,000
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 Colorado Springs lifestyle.

→
$—

Based on overall cost index: Colorado Springs (101) vs New Orleans (98). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Colorado Springs3.4%
New Orleans4.8%
Job Growth (YoY)
Colorado Springs3.1%
New Orleans2.0%
Top Industries
Colorado SpringsMilitary, Tech, Tourism
New OrleansTourism, Energy, Port/Shipping

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Colorado Springs24 min
New Orleans26 min
Walk Score
Colorado Springs34
New Orleans57
Air Quality (AQI)
Colorado Springs40
New Orleans42
Avg Temperature
Colorado Springs49°F
New Orleans69°F
Population
Colorado Springs478,961
New Orleans383,997

Moving from Colorado Springs to New Orleans?

Get free, no-obligation moving quotes from top-rated movers. Compare prices and save up to 40% on your move.

Get My Free Moving Estimate →
✓ 500+ vetted movers ✓ Free quotes in 24hrs ✓ No obligation

Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Colorado Springs 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

Colorado Springs vs Austin → Colorado Springs vs Denver → Colorado Springs vs Nashville → New Orleans vs Raleigh → New Orleans vs Portland → New Orleans vs Phoenix →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Colorado Springs 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 7.3%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Colorado Springs vs New Orleans?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,350/month in Colorado Springs and $1,250/month in New Orleans — a difference of about $100 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Colorado Springs or New Orleans?+
Colorado has a state income tax of 4.40% and sales tax of 2.90%. 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 Colorado Springs to New Orleans?+
Median household income in Colorado Springs is $72,000 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 Colorado Springs vs New Orleans?+
The median home price in Colorado Springs is $400,000 versus $270,000 in New Orleans — a difference of $130,000. Property tax rates also differ: Colorado averages 0.49% while Louisiana averages 0.55%.