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New Orleans vs Indianapolis

Cost of living comparison — C2ER 2024-2025 data

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Indianapolis is 8% cheaper than New Orleans overall.New Orleans has a cost of living index of 98 vs Indianapolis at 90 (national average = 100). The biggest difference is housing New Orleans costs 20% more.

Pierre
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New Orleans
LA
98
COLI index
VS
Indianapolis
IN
90
COLI index

Category Breakdown

CategoryNew OrleansIndianapolisDifference
Overall COLI9890-8%
Housing11290-20%
Groceries103100-3%
Transport102101-1%
Healthcare103101-2%
Utilities113104-8%

Median 1BR Rent

New Orleans
$1,400/mo
Indianapolis
$1,100/mo

Median Home Price

New Orleans
$250,000
Indianapolis
$220,000

Median Household Income

New Orleans
$45,615
Indianapolis
$54,261

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Frequently Asked Questions

Indianapolis is cheaper to live in overall. New Orleans has a cost of living index of 98 while Indianapolis has an index of 90, where 100 represents the US national average. Indianapolis is 8% cheaper than New Orleans overall.

The median 1-bedroom rent in New Orleans is $1,400 per month compared to $1,100 in Indianapolis. The median home price in New Orleans is $250,000 versus $220,000 in Indianapolis. Housing is typically the largest factor in cost of living differences between cities.

New Orleans has a cost of living index of 98 and Indianapolis has an index of 90, both measured against a US national average of 100. An index above 100 means more expensive than the national average — below 100 means cheaper.

To maintain the same purchasing power as a salary in New Orleans, multiply by 0.92. For example a $75,000 salary in New Orleans is equivalent to approximately $68,878 in Indianapolis.

New Orleans has a median household income of $45,615 per year versus $54,261 in Indianapolis. Higher incomes must be weighed against cost of living. Use the Dayblip salary tools to see specific job salaries in both cities.

Whether moving from New Orleans to Indianapolis is worthwhile depends on your salary, lifestyle, and priorities. Indianapolis is 8% cheaper overall — with the biggest difference in housing. Use the Dayblip cost of living calculator to enter your specific salary and see the exact dollar impact.

Last updated: June 2026

Methodology: Cost of living indices from C2ER Cost of Living Index 2024-2025. Rent data from Zillow December 2024. Home price data from Zillow Home Value Index December 2024. Household income from US Census Bureau ACS 2023. National average COLI = 100. Data updated annually.