Is Lexington, KY cheaper than New Orleans, LA?

Based on cost of living data, Lexington, KY is 3.1% cheaper than New Orleans, LA. This translates to saving $234 per month.

What salary do I need in Lexington, KY to live like I do in New Orleans, LA?

If you earn $150,000 in New Orleans, LA, you'd need approximately $147,187.5 in Lexington, KY to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between New Orleans, LA and Lexington, KY?

Housing in Lexington, KY is 2.2% cheaper than in New Orleans, LA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,390/month in Lexington, KY compared to $1,375/month in New Orleans, LA.

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

Moving from New Orleans, LA to Lexington, KY could save you approximately $234 per month, or $2813 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

New Orleans, LA vs Lexington, KY: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Tap to swap

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 save $234/month moving to Lexington, KY

$150.0K in your current city equals $147.2K in Lexington, KY

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

Overall Cost

↓ 3.1%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$234

Savings

Annual Impact

$2.8K

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

Lexington, KY

Population:323K

Cost Index:

(3% below avg)

Median Home:$345K

New Orleans, LA

The Pelican State

384K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Lexington, KY

The Bluegrass State

323K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Kentucky, this city has a population of 323K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: New Orleans, LA vs Lexington, KY

Category	New Orleans, LA	Lexington, KY	Difference	Change
Other	$1,892/mo	$1,641/mo	↓ $251less	13.3%
Healthcare	$471/mo	$551/mo	↑ $80.54more	17.1%
Housing	$2,391/mo	$2,339/mo	↓ $51.97less	2.2%
Transportation	$1,243/mo	$1,216/mo	↓ $27.32less	2.2%
All Utilities	$486/mo	$464/mo	↓ $21.86less	4.5%
Groceries	$969/mo	$959/mo	↓ $9.99less	1.0%

Other

↓ 13.3%

New Orleans, LA

$1,892

Lexington, KY

$1,641

Difference

$251

less

Healthcare

↑ 17.1%

New Orleans, LA

$471

Lexington, KY

$551

Difference

$80.54

Housing

↓ 2.2%

New Orleans, LA

$2,391

Lexington, KY

$2,339

Difference

$51.97

less

Transportation

↓ 2.2%

New Orleans, LA

$1,243

Lexington, KY

$1,216

Difference

$27.32

less

All Utilities

↓ 4.5%

New Orleans, LA

$486

Lexington, KY

$464

Difference

$21.86

less

Groceries

↓ 1.0%

New Orleans, LA

$969

Lexington, KY

$959

Difference

$9.99

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Lexington, KY: Lexington Occupational Tax$3,750/yr (2.5%)

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$960

↓ $50.00

1 Bed

From$1,145

To$1,180

↑ $35.00

2 Bed

From$1,375

To$1,390

↑ $15.00

3 Bed

From$1,745

To$1,900

↑ $155

New Orleans, LAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,120–$1,680/mo

Lexington, KYZIP-level data

1BR range: $940–$1,500/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

$7,170

Monthly in Lexington, KY

$282

Difference

Home Values

New Orleans

Lexington

$223K

Median Value

$345K

↓ -3.5%

YoY Change

↑ +5%

↓ -7.8%

5-Year Change

↑ +43.5%

$146K - $508K

Price Range

$214K - $711K

Homes in Lexington are 55% more expensive than New Orleans

Calculate payment - New Orleans Calculate payment - Lexington

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $250

Per year

Monthly Difference

$20.83

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.2%

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

Lexington, KY

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Kentucky State Tax

Effective: 5.0%

$7.5K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.7%

$44.5K

Take-Home Pay

$8,791/month

$105.5K

Additional Tax Information

New Orleans, LA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:9.6%

Property Tax:0.5%

Lexington, KY Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.0%

Property Tax:0.9%

💡 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.