Cincinnati vs New Orleans: cost of living compared
New Orleans is 5% more expensive than Cincinnati overall. State income tax tops out around 3.5% in OH vs 4.25% in LA.
Indexes use a US average of 100: below 100 is cheaper than the national average. Housing and transportation are derived from median home prices, rents and commute times; figures come from BLS, Census ACS, Numbeo and the MIT Living Wage Calculator.
The big picture
Comparing Cincinnati and New Orleans reveals a noticeable difference in overall cost of living, with Cincinnati generally more affordable. This difference is largely driven by housing expenses, which are significantly lower in the Ohio metro. Other categories like food and transportation show smaller variations, while healthcare costs are slightly more favorable in New Orleans. The overall picture suggests that a move to Cincinnati could offer a more budget-friendly experience.
Housing
Housing costs present a substantial contrast between the two metros. Both median home prices and typical one-bedroom rents are noticeably lower in Cincinnati. While both cities offer a mix of housing styles, Cincinnati's housing market is generally more accessible. Potential homeowners in New Orleans should also consider higher insurance costs due to its coastal location, which can add to the overall expense of property ownership.
Taxes and everyday costs
Daily expenses vary across categories. State income taxes are somewhat higher in Louisiana than in Ohio. Transportation costs are roughly similar, with Cincinnati being marginally less expensive. Food expenses are also slightly lower in Cincinnati. However, healthcare costs are more favorable in New Orleans, while utilities tend to be more expensive there. These factors suggest a mixed bag for everyday spending, but with a slight edge to Cincinnati overall.
Lifestyle trade-offs
Beyond costs, these cities offer distinct lifestyles. Cincinnati experiences four distinct seasons, including cold winters, while New Orleans has a humid subtropical climate with mild winters and hot, long summers. New Orleans is known for its dense, historic neighborhoods and a vibrant cultural scene, often with a slower pace. Cincinnati, a river city, offers a more Midwestern feel, with a mix of urban and suburban environments and a generally faster pace of life. Both cities have average commute times that are quite similar.
Bottom line
For those weighing a move, Cincinnati generally offers a more economical choice, primarily due to its significantly lower housing costs. While some everyday expenses like healthcare are more favorable in New Orleans, and utility costs are higher there, the overall financial burden is lighter in Cincinnati. A household's budget will stretch further in Cincinnati, allowing for more discretionary spending or savings, especially concerning homeownership or rental expenses.
| Measure | Cincinnati, OH | New Orleans, LA |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 88 | 92 |
| Housing index | 66 | 74 |
| Transportation index | 92 | 93 |
| Food index | 92 | 95 |
| Healthcare index | 95 | 92 |
| Utilities index | 98 | 108 |
| Misc index | 88 | 88 |
| Median home price | $228,000 | $248,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $1,050/mo | $1,200/mo |
| Average commute | 26 min | 26 min |
Compare any two metros with the free cost of living tool, or see the true monthly cost of a specific New Orleans home with the True Cost Calculator.