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Cost of Living: Milwaukee, WI 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.

5.4% New Orleans, LA is more expensive overall
24.4% 24.4% more expensive 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 24.4% more
Milwaukee
82
New Orleans
102
🛒 Groceries ~Same
Milwaukee
98
New Orleans
100
🚗 Transportation ~Same
Milwaukee
100
New Orleans
100
🏥 Healthcare ~Same
Milwaukee
98
New Orleans
96
⚡ Utilities 4.0% more
Milwaukee
100
New Orleans
104

Detailed Breakdown

Category Milwaukee, WI New Orleans, LA Difference
Overall Cost Index93985.4% more
Housing8210224.4% more
Median 1BR Rent$1,050$1,25019.0% more
Median Home Price$175,000$270,00054.3% more
Groceries98100~Same
Transportation100100~Same
Healthcare9896~Same
Utilities1001044.0% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Milwaukee, WI New Orleans, LA
State Income Tax7.65% (top)4.25%
State Sales Tax5.00%4.45%
Avg Property Tax Rate1.51%0.55%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Milwaukee, WI
$55,000
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 Milwaukee lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Milwaukee (93) vs New Orleans (98). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Milwaukee4.2%
New Orleans4.8%
Job Growth (YoY)
Milwaukee1.8%
New Orleans2.0%
Top Industries
MilwaukeeManufacturing, Healthcare, Finance
New OrleansTourism, Energy, Port/Shipping

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Milwaukee24 min
New Orleans26 min
Walk Score
Milwaukee62
New Orleans57
Air Quality (AQI)
Milwaukee40
New Orleans42
Avg Temperature
Milwaukee47°F
New Orleans69°F
Population
Milwaukee577,222
New Orleans383,997

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Milwaukee 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 Milwaukee or New Orleans cheaper to live in?+
Milwaukee is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 24.4%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Milwaukee vs New Orleans?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,050/month in Milwaukee and $1,250/month in New Orleans — a difference of about $200 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Milwaukee or New Orleans?+
Wisconsin has a state income tax of 7.65% (top) and sales tax of 5.00%. 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 Milwaukee to New Orleans?+
Median household income in Milwaukee is $55,000 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 Milwaukee vs New Orleans?+
The median home price in Milwaukee is $175,000 versus $270,000 in New Orleans — a difference of $95,000. Property tax rates also differ: Wisconsin averages 1.51% while Louisiana averages 0.55%.