Home › Compare › Oklahoma City, OK vs New Orleans, LA

Cost of Living: Oklahoma City, OK 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.

11.4% New Orleans, LA is more expensive overall
34.2% 34.2% more expensive housing
7.5% 7.5% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 34.2% more
Oklahoma City
76
New Orleans
102
🛒 Groceries 7.5% more
Oklahoma City
93
New Orleans
100
🚗 Transportation 4.2% more
Oklahoma City
96
New Orleans
100
🏥 Healthcare 4.3% more
Oklahoma City
92
New Orleans
96
⚡ Utilities 4.0% more
Oklahoma City
100
New Orleans
104

Detailed Breakdown

Category Oklahoma City, OK New Orleans, LA Difference
Overall Cost Index889811.4% more
Housing7610234.2% more
Median 1BR Rent$950$1,25031.6% more
Median Home Price$210,000$270,00028.6% more
Groceries931007.5% more
Transportation961004.2% more
Healthcare92964.3% more
Utilities1001044.0% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Oklahoma City, OK New Orleans, LA
State Income Tax4.75%4.25%
State Sales Tax4.50%4.45%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.85%0.55%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Oklahoma City, OK
$58,000
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 Oklahoma City lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Oklahoma City (88) vs New Orleans (98). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Oklahoma City3.5%
New Orleans4.8%
Job Growth (YoY)
Oklahoma City2.4%
New Orleans2.0%
Top Industries
Oklahoma CityEnergy, Aerospace, Agriculture
New OrleansTourism, Energy, Port/Shipping

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Oklahoma City22 min
New Orleans26 min
Walk Score
Oklahoma City32
New Orleans57
Air Quality (AQI)
Oklahoma City44
New Orleans42
Avg Temperature
Oklahoma City60°F
New Orleans69°F
Population
Oklahoma City681,054
New Orleans383,997

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Oklahoma City 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

Oklahoma City vs Austin → Oklahoma City vs Denver → Oklahoma City vs Nashville → New Orleans vs Raleigh → New Orleans vs Portland → New Orleans vs Phoenix →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Oklahoma City or New Orleans cheaper to live in?+
Oklahoma City is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 34.2%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Oklahoma City vs New Orleans?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $950/month in Oklahoma City and $1,250/month in New Orleans — a difference of about $300 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Oklahoma City or New Orleans?+
Oklahoma has a state income tax of 4.75% and sales tax of 4.50%. 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 Oklahoma City to New Orleans?+
Median household income in Oklahoma City is $58,000 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 Oklahoma City vs New Orleans?+
The median home price in Oklahoma City is $210,000 versus $270,000 in New Orleans — a difference of $60,000. Property tax rates also differ: Oklahoma averages 0.85% while Louisiana averages 0.55%.