New Orleans vs Jacksonville: cost of living compared
Jacksonville is 3% more expensive than New Orleans overall. Jacksonville (FL) 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, New Orleans offers a slightly lower cost of living compared to Jacksonville. The most significant difference between the two metros lies in housing costs, which are noticeably more affordable in New Orleans. While some everyday expenses are roughly similar or slightly higher in Jacksonville, the substantial gap in housing prices is the primary driver of New Orleans' overall cost advantage. Both cities are generally more affordable than the national average.
Housing
Housing in New Orleans is considerably more budget-friendly, whether you are looking to buy a home or rent a one-bedroom apartment. The median home price shows a much bigger gap between the two cities, with New Orleans being the more economical choice. In Florida, homeowners should factor in potentially higher insurance premiums and property taxes that reset upon sale, along with possible HOA or CDD fees in newer developments, which can add to ownership costs in Jacksonville.
Taxes and everyday costs
Daily spending on food is slightly less in Jacksonville, while healthcare and transportation costs are a bit higher there. Utilities are somewhat more expensive in New Orleans. A key difference in everyday finances is Florida's lack of a state income tax, which can lead to more take-home pay for residents of Jacksonville compared to New Orleans, where state income tax applies. Commute times are very similar in both metros.
Lifestyle trade-offs
Both cities offer a warm, humid climate and are susceptible to hurricane season during summer and fall. New Orleans is known for its historic, walkable neighborhoods and a denser urban core, often with older housing stock. Jacksonville, a sprawling city, typically requires more driving and features many newer, master-planned communities. While both are port cities, their urban character and typical modes of getting around differ, influencing daily life beyond just expenses.
Bottom line
For those prioritizing housing affordability, New Orleans presents a clear advantage in both purchase price and rental costs. However, Jacksonville's lack of state income tax can offset some of its higher housing and other everyday expenses, potentially leading to a similar net financial position for some households. Prospective movers should weigh the significant housing savings in New Orleans against the tax benefits and potentially different homeownership costs in Jacksonville, considering their personal financial situation.
| Measure | New Orleans, LA | Jacksonville, FL |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 92 | 95 |
| Housing index | 74 | 91 |
| Transportation index | 93 | 96 |
| Food index | 95 | 92 |
| Healthcare index | 92 | 95 |
| Utilities index | 108 | 105 |
| Misc index | 88 | 88 |
| Median home price | $248,000 | $318,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $1,200/mo | $1,400/mo |
| Average commute | 26 min | 27 min |
Compare any two metros with the free cost of living tool, or see the true monthly cost of a specific Jacksonville home with the True Cost Calculator.