Median rent is 8% lower in Indianapolis ($1,156/mo vs $1,251/mo). Buying is cheaper in Indianapolis, where the median home runs $224,800 versus $315,700. Households earn more in Indianapolis ($66,219 vs $56,631 a year). Taken together, New Orleans is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 91.2 against 94.7 — about 4% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Indianapolis, IN.
Cost of living verdict
New Orleans is 4% cheaper overall
Cost of Living Index: 91.2 in New Orleans vs 94.7 in Indianapolis (US national average = 100)
City A
Indianapolis, IN
City B
New Orleans, LA
How much would you need to earn in New Orleans, LA to maintain your standard of living from Indianapolis, IN?
Equivalent salary in New Orleans, LA
$72,261
You could earn $2,739 less (4% lower) and break even.
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each metro area. This estimates overall purchasing power; it does not account for taxes or take-home pay differences.
Metric
Indianapolis
Indiana
New Orleans
Louisiana
Population
Median Household Income
Annual
Median Gross Rent
Per month
Median Home Value
Cost of Living Index
US avg = 100
1BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
2BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
3BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
Air Quality Index
Lower = cleaner
Top State Income Tax
Top marginal rate
State Sales Tax
Statewide base rate
Median Age
Years
✓ = better value · Sources: Census ACS, BEA, HUD Fair Market Rents, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Median rent is modestly lower in Indianapolis at $1,156/mo compared to $1,251/mo in New Orleans (8% gap). Home buyers face a steeper market in New Orleans: the median home is $315,700 versus $224,800 in Indianapolis — 29% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
State tax data is not yet available for these cities.
Indianapolis
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
New Orleans
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
Indianapolis has cleaner air on average: 48.0 AQI (Good) compared to 52.0 AQI (Moderate) in the other city. Lower AQI means cleaner, healthier air.
Pick New Orleans if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 91.2 vs 94.7).
Pick Indianapolis if you prioritize higher median household income ($66,219/yr).
Is Indianapolis cheaper than New Orleans?
New Orleans is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 91.2 versus 94.7 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 4% lower in New Orleans.
How much is rent in Indianapolis vs New Orleans?
Median rent is $1,156/mo in Indianapolis, IN and $1,251/mo in New Orleans, LA. Indianapolis, IN has the lower rent by about 8%.
Which has higher salaries — Indianapolis or New Orleans?
Median household income is $66,219 in Indianapolis, IN and $56,631 in New Orleans, LA. Indianapolis, IN has the higher median income. Note that BLS occupational wages in the table above show wages for specific jobs.
Which city has better air quality?
Indianapolis, IN has better air quality on average: 48.0 AQI versus 52.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Indianapolis or New Orleans?
State tax data is not yet available for one or both cities.
What salary do I need in New Orleans to match my Indianapolis income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Indianapolis, IN is equivalent to roughly $96,349 in New Orleans, LA (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2026 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology
