Quick answer
Overall prices in the Detroit, MI metro were 100.3 vs 92.6 in New Orleans, LA in 2024 (US = 100), so Detroit is 8.3% more expensive than New Orleans; housing rents differ by 10% (94.7 vs 86.0). A $75,000 income in Detroit buys about what $69,241 buys in New Orleans, per BEA.
Data as of 2024. Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities 2024
| Price index (US = 100) | Detroit | New Orleans | Detroit vs New Orleans |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items | 100.3 | 92.6 | +8.3% |
| Goods | 98.8 | 93.7 | +5.5% |
| Housing (rents) | 94.7 | 86.0 | +10.1% |
| Utilities | 107.0 | 71.2 | +50.2% |
| Other services | 102.6 | 95.7 | +7.2% |
| All items, 2008 | 100.6 | 98.2 | +2.4% |
| $50,000 in Detroit equals in New Orleans | $46,161 | ||
| $100,000 in Detroit equals in New Orleans | $92,322 | ||
| $150,000 in Detroit equals in New Orleans | $138,483 |
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Last updated 2026-10-16. Data only, not financial or tax advice.