Denver vs New Orleans: cost of living compared
New Orleans is 28% cheaper than Denver overall. State income tax tops out around 4.25% in LA vs 4.4% in CO.
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
Moving between Denver and New Orleans presents a significant shift in overall expenses. Denver's cost of living is considerably higher than the national average, while New Orleans is notably more affordable. The primary driver of this difference is housing, which is substantially more expensive in Denver. Other categories like food, healthcare, and miscellaneous goods and services also contribute to Denver's higher overall cost, making New Orleans a more budget-friendly option across the board.
Housing
Housing costs show a stark contrast between these two metros. Both buying a home and renting an apartment are considerably more expensive in Denver. New Orleans offers a much lower median home price and more affordable rental options, often featuring historic architecture and a denser urban fabric. While property taxes and insurance can vary, the initial outlay for housing, whether purchasing or renting, is a much larger commitment in Denver compared to New Orleans.
Taxes and everyday costs
Daily spending will also differ. New Orleans generally offers lower costs for groceries, transportation, and healthcare. Utilities, however, tend to be higher in New Orleans, possibly due to climate control needs. State income taxes are roughly similar in both states, with a slight edge to Louisiana. Overall, the cumulative effect of these categories means that everyday expenses, beyond housing, are generally more manageable in New Orleans.
Lifestyle trade-offs
Beyond costs, lifestyle differences are pronounced. Denver, nestled in the Rocky Mountain region, offers an arid, high-altitude climate with distinct seasons and easy access to outdoor activities. New Orleans, a port city, has a humid, subtropical climate with mild winters and hot, long summers, known for its unique cultural vibrancy. Transportation in Denver often involves a mix of personal vehicles and growing public transit, while New Orleans is more walkable in its historic core, though still largely car-dependent.
Bottom line
For households weighing a move, the financial implications are substantial. A household budget will stretch considerably further in New Orleans, primarily due to its much lower housing costs. While some everyday expenses like utilities might be higher in New Orleans, the overall financial burden is significantly lighter. Denver, conversely, demands a much larger financial commitment, especially for housing, requiring a higher income to maintain a similar standard of living.
| Measure | Denver, CO | New Orleans, LA |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 128 | 92 |
| Housing index | 146 | 74 |
| Transportation index | 104 | 93 |
| Food index | 105 | 95 |
| Healthcare index | 108 | 92 |
| Utilities index | 98 | 108 |
| Misc index | 108 | 88 |
| Median home price | $548,000 | $248,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $1,950/mo | $1,200/mo |
| Average commute | 28 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.