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Cost of Living: Jacksonville, FL 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.

2.1% New Orleans, LA is more expensive overall
4.1% 4.1% more expensive housing
3.1% 3.1% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 4.1% more
Jacksonville
98
New Orleans
102
🛒 Groceries 3.1% more
Jacksonville
97
New Orleans
100
🚗 Transportation ~Same
Jacksonville
98
New Orleans
100
🏥 Healthcare 4.3% more
Jacksonville
92
New Orleans
96
⚡ Utilities ~Same
Jacksonville
102
New Orleans
104

Detailed Breakdown

Category Jacksonville, FL New Orleans, LA Difference
Overall Cost Index96982.1% more
Housing981024.1% more
Median 1BR Rent$1,300$1,2503.8% less
Median Home Price$310,000$270,00012.9% less
Groceries971003.1% more
Transportation98100~Same
Healthcare92964.3% more
Utilities102104~Same

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Jacksonville, FL New Orleans, LA
State Income TaxNone (0%)4.25%
State Sales Tax6.00%4.45%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.80%0.55%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Jacksonville, FL
$63,000
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 Jacksonville lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Jacksonville (96) vs New Orleans (98). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Jacksonville3.7%
New Orleans4.8%
Job Growth (YoY)
Jacksonville3.1%
New Orleans2.0%
Top Industries
JacksonvilleFinance, Logistics, Military
New OrleansTourism, Energy, Port/Shipping

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Jacksonville26 min
New Orleans26 min
Walk Score
Jacksonville26
New Orleans57
Air Quality (AQI)
Jacksonville36
New Orleans42
Avg Temperature
Jacksonville69°F
New Orleans69°F
Population
Jacksonville949,611
New Orleans383,997

Moving from Jacksonville to New Orleans?

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Jacksonville 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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Jacksonville or New Orleans cheaper to live in?+
Jacksonville is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 4.1%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Jacksonville vs New Orleans?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,300/month in Jacksonville and $1,250/month in New Orleans — a difference of about $50 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Jacksonville or New Orleans?+
Florida has a state income tax of None (0%) and sales tax of 6.00%. 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 Jacksonville to New Orleans?+
Median household income in Jacksonville is $63,000 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 Jacksonville vs New Orleans?+
The median home price in Jacksonville is $310,000 versus $270,000 in New Orleans — a difference of $40,000. Property tax rates also differ: Florida averages 0.80% while Louisiana averages 0.55%.