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Cost of Living: Omaha, NE 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.

7.7% New Orleans, LA is more expensive overall
24.4% 24.4% more expensive housing
5.3% 5.3% 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
Omaha
82
New Orleans
102
🛒 Groceries 5.3% more
Omaha
95
New Orleans
100
🚗 Transportation 4.2% more
Omaha
96
New Orleans
100
🏥 Healthcare ~Same
Omaha
96
New Orleans
96
⚡ Utilities 8.3% more
Omaha
96
New Orleans
104

Detailed Breakdown

Category Omaha, NE New Orleans, LA Difference
Overall Cost Index91987.7% more
Housing8210224.4% more
Median 1BR Rent$1,050$1,25019.0% more
Median Home Price$240,000$270,00012.5% more
Groceries951005.3% more
Transportation961004.2% more
Healthcare9696~Same
Utilities961048.3% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Omaha, NE New Orleans, LA
State Income Tax5.84% (top)4.25%
State Sales Tax5.50%4.45%
Avg Property Tax Rate1.54%0.55%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Omaha, NE
$66,000
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 Omaha lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Omaha (91) vs New Orleans (98). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Omaha3.0%
New Orleans4.8%
Job Growth (YoY)
Omaha2.6%
New Orleans2.0%
Top Industries
OmahaFinance, Insurance, Agriculture
New OrleansTourism, Energy, Port/Shipping

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Omaha20 min
New Orleans26 min
Walk Score
Omaha38
New Orleans57
Air Quality (AQI)
Omaha38
New Orleans42
Avg Temperature
Omaha51°F
New Orleans69°F
Population
Omaha486,051
New Orleans383,997

Moving from Omaha to New Orleans?

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Omaha 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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Omaha or New Orleans cheaper to live in?+
Omaha 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 Omaha vs New Orleans?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,050/month in Omaha and $1,250/month in New Orleans — a difference of about $200 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Omaha or New Orleans?+
Nebraska has a state income tax of 5.84% (top) and sales tax of 5.50%. 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 Omaha to New Orleans?+
Median household income in Omaha is $66,000 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 Omaha vs New Orleans?+
The median home price in Omaha is $240,000 versus $270,000 in New Orleans — a difference of $30,000. Property tax rates also differ: Nebraska averages 1.54% while Louisiana averages 0.55%.