Is Denver, CO cheaper than New Orleans, LA?

Based on cost of living data, Denver, CO is 14.6% more expensive than New Orleans, LA. This translates to spending an extra $1094 per month.

What salary do I need in Denver, CO to live like I do in New Orleans, LA?

If you earn $150,000 in New Orleans, LA, you'd need approximately $163,125 in Denver, CO to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between New Orleans, LA and Denver, CO?

Housing in Denver, CO is 35.9% more expensive than in New Orleans, LA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,190/month in Denver, CO compared to $1,375/month in New Orleans, LA.

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

Living in Denver, CO costs approximately $1094 more per month than New Orleans, LA, or $13125 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

New Orleans, LA vs Denver, CO: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in New Orleans, LA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $1.1K/month more in Denver, CO

$150.0K in your current city equals $163.1K in Denver, CO

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

Overall Cost

↑ 14.6%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,094

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$13.1K

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

Median Home:$223K

Denver, CO

Population:716K

Cost Index:115

Median Home:$513K

New Orleans, LA

The Pelican State

384K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Denver, CO

The Centennial State

716K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Semi-arid

Notable Facts

•Mile-high city (5,280 ft)
•Outdoor recreation hub
•Major cannabis market

Major Industries

AerospaceTechnologyEnergyTourism

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: New Orleans, LA vs Denver, CO

Category	New Orleans, LA	Denver, CO	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,391/mo	$3,248/mo	↑ $858more	35.9%
🚗Transportation	$1,243/mo	$1,462/mo	↑ $219more	17.6%
🏥Healthcare	$471/mo	$632/mo	↑ $161more	34.2%
📦Other	$1,892/mo	$1,774/mo	↓ $117less	6.2%
🛒Groceries	$969/mo	$1,029/mo	↑ $59.96more	6.2%
⚡All Utilities	$486/mo	$519/mo	↑ $32.79more	6.7%

🏠Housing

↑ 35.9%

New Orleans, LA

$2,391

Denver, CO

$3,248

Difference

$858

🚗Transportation

↑ 17.6%

New Orleans, LA

$1,243

Denver, CO

$1,462

Difference

$219

🏥Healthcare

↑ 34.2%

New Orleans, LA

$471

Denver, CO

$632

Difference

$161

📦Other

↓ 6.2%

New Orleans, LA

$1,892

Denver, CO

$1,774

Difference

$117

less

🛒Groceries

↑ 6.2%

New Orleans, LA

$969

Denver, CO

$1,029

Difference

$59.96

⚡All Utilities

↑ 6.7%

New Orleans, LA

$486

Denver, CO

$519

Difference

$32.79

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Denver, CO: Denver Head Tax ($5.75/mo, negligible)$69.00/yr (0.0%)

New Orleans, LA has no local income tax.

Local taxes are in addition to state income tax. Not all cities levy local income taxes.

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,010

To$1,720

↑ $710

1 Bed

From$1,145

To$1,840

↑ $695

2 Bed

From$1,375

To$2,190

↑ $815

3 Bed

From$1,745

To$2,870

↑ $1,125

New Orleans, LAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,120–$1,680/mo

Denver, COZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,620–$2,540/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

$8,665

Monthly in Denver, CO

$1,213

Difference

Home Values

New Orleans

Denver

$223K

Median Value

$513K

↓ -3.5%

YoY Change

↓ -4.2%

↓ -7.8%

5-Year Change

↑ +13%

$146K - $508K

Price Range

$352K - $933K

Homes in Denver are 130% more expensive than New Orleans

Calculate payment - New Orleans Calculate payment - Denver

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $1.1K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$95.83

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.8%

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

Denver, CO

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Colorado State Tax

Effective: 4.4%

$6.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.1%

$43.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,866/month

$106.4K

Additional Tax Information

New Orleans, LA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:9.6%

Property Tax:0.5%

Denver, CO Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.8%

Property Tax:0.5%

💡 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.