Is Arlington, VA cheaper than New Orleans, LA?

Based on cost of living data, Arlington, VA is 54.7% more expensive than New Orleans, LA. This translates to spending an extra $4101 per month.

What salary do I need in Arlington, VA to live like I do in New Orleans, LA?

If you earn $150,000 in New Orleans, LA, you'd need approximately $199,216.701 in Arlington, VA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between New Orleans, LA and Arlington, VA?

Housing in Arlington, VA is 128.4% more expensive than in New Orleans, LA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,325/month in Arlington, VA compared to $1,375/month in New Orleans, LA.

How much can I save per month by moving from New Orleans, LA to Arlington, VA?

Living in Arlington, VA costs approximately $4101 more per month than New Orleans, LA, or $49217 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

New Orleans, LA vs Arlington, VA: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in New Orleans, LA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $4.1K/month more in Arlington, VA

$150.0K in your current city equals $199.2K in Arlington, VA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from New Orleans-Metairie, LA area

Overall Cost

↑ 54.7%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$4,101

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$49.2K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

New Orleans, LA

Population:384K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$223K

Arlington, VA

Population:239K

Cost Index:

155

(55% above avg)

Median Home:$556K

New Orleans, LA

The Pelican State

384K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Louisiana, this city has a population of 384K residents.

Arlington, VA

The Old Dominion State

239K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Virginia, this city has a population of 239K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: New Orleans, LA vs Arlington, VA

Category	New Orleans, LA	Arlington, VA	Difference	Change
Housing	$2,391/mo	$5,461/mo	↑ $3,070more	128.4%
Transportation	$1,243/mo	$1,842/mo	↑ $599more	48.2%
Healthcare	$471/mo	$625/mo	↑ $154more	32.7%
Other	$1,892/mo	$1,783/mo	↓ $109less	5.8%
Groceries	$969/mo	$1,067/mo	↑ $97.41more	10.1%
All Utilities	$486/mo	$502/mo	↑ $15.97more	3.3%

Housing

↑ 128.4%

New Orleans, LA

$2,391

Arlington, VA

$5,461

Difference

$3,070

Transportation

↑ 48.2%

New Orleans, LA

$1,243

Arlington, VA

$1,842

Difference

$599

Healthcare

↑ 32.7%

New Orleans, LA

$471

Arlington, VA

$625

Difference

$154

Other

↓ 5.8%

New Orleans, LA

$1,892

Arlington, VA

$1,783

Difference

$109

less

Groceries

↑ 10.1%

New Orleans, LA

$969

Arlington, VA

$1,067

Difference

$97.41

All Utilities

↑ 3.3%

New Orleans, LA

$486

Arlington, VA

$502

Difference

$15.97

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,010

To$1,578

↑ $568

1 Bed

From$1,145

To$1,827

↑ $682

2 Bed

From$1,375

To$2,325

↑ $950

3 Bed

From$1,745

To$3,239

↑ $1,494

New Orleans, LAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,120–$1,680/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$7,452

Monthly in New Orleans, LA

$11,279

Monthly in Arlington, VA

$3,827

Difference

Home Values

New Orleans

Arlington

$223K

Median Value

↓ -3.5%

YoY Change

↓ -7.8%

5-Year Change

$146K - $508K

Price Range

Calculate payment - New Orleans

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $618

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$51.46

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.4%

Rate difference

New Orleans, LA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Louisiana State Tax

Effective: 5.2%

$7.8K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.8%

$44.8K

Take-Home Pay

$8,770/month

$105.2K

Arlington, VA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Virginia State Tax

Effective: 5.6%

$8.4K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 30.3%

$45.4K

Take-Home Pay

$8,718/month

$104.6K

Additional Tax Information

New Orleans, LA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:9.6%

Property Tax:0.5%

Arlington, VA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:5.7%

Property Tax:0.8%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.