Home › Compare › Salt Lake City, UT vs New Orleans, LA

Cost of Living: Salt Lake City, UT 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.

6.7% New Orleans, LA is cheaper overall
15.0% 15.0% 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 15.0% cheaper
Salt Lake City
120
New Orleans
102
🛒 Groceries ~Same
Salt Lake City
98
New Orleans
100
🚗 Transportation ~Same
Salt Lake City
100
New Orleans
100
🏥 Healthcare ~Same
Salt Lake City
96
New Orleans
96
⚡ Utilities 18.2% more
Salt Lake City
88
New Orleans
104

Detailed Breakdown

Category Salt Lake City, UT New Orleans, LA Difference
Overall Cost Index105986.7% less
Housing12010215.0% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,350$1,2507.4% less
Median Home Price$475,000$270,00043.2% less
Groceries98100~Same
Transportation100100~Same
Healthcare9696~Same
Utilities8810418.2% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Salt Lake City, UT New Orleans, LA
State Income Tax4.65%4.25%
State Sales Tax6.10%4.45%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.52%0.55%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Salt Lake City, UT
$73,000
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 Salt Lake City lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Salt Lake City (105) vs New Orleans (98). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Salt Lake City2.9%
New Orleans4.8%
Job Growth (YoY)
Salt Lake City3.7%
New Orleans2.0%
Top Industries
Salt Lake CityTech, Finance, Outdoor Rec
New OrleansTourism, Energy, Port/Shipping

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Salt Lake City22 min
New Orleans26 min
Walk Score
Salt Lake City57
New Orleans57
Air Quality (AQI)
Salt Lake City55
New Orleans42
Avg Temperature
Salt Lake City52°F
New Orleans69°F
Population
Salt Lake City204,657
New Orleans383,997

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Salt Lake 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

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Salt Lake City 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 15.0%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Salt Lake City vs New Orleans?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,350/month in Salt Lake City and $1,250/month in New Orleans — a difference of about $100 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Salt Lake City or New Orleans?+
Utah has a state income tax of 4.65% and sales tax of 6.10%. 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 Salt Lake City to New Orleans?+
Median household income in Salt Lake City is $73,000 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 Salt Lake City vs New Orleans?+
The median home price in Salt Lake City is $475,000 versus $270,000 in New Orleans — a difference of $205,000. Property tax rates also differ: Utah averages 0.52% while Louisiana averages 0.55%.