Data last updated: August 2026

Chicago, ILNew Orleans, LA

You would need around 17.7% less money in New Orleans, LA to maintain the same standard of living you have in Chicago, IL.

Overall Cost of Living

17.7%

New Orleans, LA is cheaper than Chicago, IL

1-Bed Rent (City Center)

City A2,406 USD
City B1,870 USD
Difference-22.3%

Groceries (Monthly)

City A293 USD
City B315 USD
Difference+7.5%

Average Net Salary

City A5,136 USD
City B4,025 USD
Difference-21.6%

Editorial Insight: Planning a move from Chicago, IL to New Orleans, LA? Based on our verified data model, you are looking at a fantastic geo-arbitrage opportunity. Overall, the cost of living in New Orleans, LA is 17.7% cheaper. Housing is typically the biggest financial win—renting a 1-bedroom apartment in New Orleans, LA's center costs around 1,870 USD, which is a staggering 22.3% less than in Chicago, IL. If you are retaining a remote income, the Remote Wealth team ranks this as a highly strategic move for wealth accumulation.

Pro Tip:Since you'll be managing money across borders and currencies, we highly recommend setting up a borderless account like Wise (formerly TransferWise) before you move to avoid heavy bank exchange fees.Check out Wise

Reviewed by the Remote Wealth Editorial Team

Our cost of living data for Chicago, IL and New Orleans, LA is compiled using our rigorous verification methodology. We combine millions of data points from reliable sources to ensure you get the most accurate financial comparison for your relocation.

Read more about our team →

Salary Comparator

Find out exactly how much you need to earn in New Orleans, LA to maintain your current lifestyle in Chicago, IL.

USD

You need in New Orleans, LA

4,225 USD

Geo-Arbitrage FIRE

Discover how moving to a cheaper city accelerates your Financial Independence and Retire Early (FIRE) timeline.

By moving from Chicago, IL to New Orleans, LA and investing the 18% cost of living difference, you could reach FIRE 2.7 years earlier.

Budget Simulator

Instantly adapt your Chicago, IL budget to local New Orleans, LA prices. We automatically adjust housing, groceries, and leisure categories.

Housing1870 USD
Groceries315 USD
Utilities & Internet271 USD

Investment Planner

You save 536 USD every month on rent alone by moving to New Orleans, LA.

Investing this rent difference in an S&P 500 index fund could grow to ~90,048 USD in 10 years.