Nashville vs New Orleans: cost of living compared
New Orleans is 15% cheaper than Nashville overall. Nashville (TN) has no state income tax; LA tops out around 4.25%.
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
Overall, the cost of living in Nashville is noticeably higher than in New Orleans. This difference is primarily driven by housing expenses, which are significantly greater in Nashville. While some categories like utilities are more expensive in New Orleans, the substantial gap in housing costs makes Nashville the more expensive option for most residents when considering their total budget.
Housing
Housing costs present a major contrast. Both median home prices and typical one-bedroom rents are considerably higher in Nashville compared to New Orleans. New Orleans often features historic architecture and a mix of housing types, while Nashville's housing stock is diverse and includes many newer developments. Property taxes and insurance costs can vary significantly in both locations, particularly with New Orleans' proximity to the coast.
Taxes and everyday costs
Daily expenses also show differences. New Orleans has a state income tax, which Nashville does not. While food and healthcare costs are roughly similar in both cities, transportation is somewhat more expensive in Nashville. Utilities are higher in New Orleans, but miscellaneous expenses are lower. These factors combine to make everyday spending generally less burdensome in New Orleans.
Lifestyle trade-offs
Beyond costs, lifestyle elements differ. Nashville experiences four distinct seasons, while New Orleans has a humid subtropical climate with mild winters and hot, humid summers, and is more susceptible to hurricanes. New Orleans is known for its dense, walkable historic neighborhoods and a vibrant street culture, often with a slower pace. Nashville offers a more spread-out urban landscape with a faster pace and a strong focus on music and entertainment.
Bottom line
For those weighing a move, New Orleans generally offers a more budget-friendly option, largely due to its significantly lower housing costs and the absence of a state income tax in Nashville. While some specific expenses like utilities might be higher in New Orleans, the overall financial impact on a household budget would likely be considerably greater in Nashville across most spending categories.
| Measure | Nashville, TN | New Orleans, LA |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 108 | 92 |
| Housing index | 119 | 74 |
| Transportation index | 104 | 93 |
| Food index | 98 | 95 |
| Healthcare index | 98 | 92 |
| Utilities index | 98 | 108 |
| Misc index | 95 | 88 |
| Median home price | $438,000 | $248,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $1,650/mo | $1,200/mo |
| Average commute | 29 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.