New Orleans vs Memphis: Full Comparison
Updated November 2026 · Cost of living, safety, and climate data
Quick Answer
New Orleans is 18% more expensive than Memphis. New Orleans is 47% safer. New Orleans has more comfortable months (7 vs 4). New Orleans population: 362,154. Memphis population: 609,647.
Which city is better for you?
Based on cost of living indices, FBI crime data, and NOAA climate records.
Cost of Living: New Orleans vs Memphis
Memphis is more affordable overall, with a cost of living index of 85 vs 100 (national average = 100). That's a difference of 15 index points.
| Category | New Orleans | Memphis |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Index | 100 | 85 |
| Housing | $2,047/moIndex: 115 | $1,388/moIndex: 78 |
| Groceries | $410/moIndex: 100 | $390/moIndex: 95 |
| Transportation | $357/moIndex: 102 | $343/moIndex: 98 |
| Healthcare | $320/moIndex: 100 | $314/moIndex: 98 |
| Utilities | $220/moIndex: 100 | $202/moIndex: 92 |
Index 100 = national average. Dollar amounts are estimated monthly costs. Sources: BEA Regional Price Parities, C2ER Cost of Living Index.
Safety: New Orleans vs Memphis
New Orleans is 47% safer overall, with a crime rate of 39.5 per 1,000 residents vs Memphis's 74. New Orleans earns a D- safety grade compared to Memphis's F. Based on 2023 FBI data.
New Orleans
Louisiana
Memphis
Tennessee
| Metric | New Orleans | Memphis |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Crime Rate | 39.5/1K | 74/1K |
| Violent Crime Rate | 750.0 | 1900.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3200.0 | 5500.0 |
| Murder Rate | 10.5 | 27.9 |
| Assault Rate | 586.0 | 1402.4 |
| Robbery Rate | 113.2 | 312.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 389.9 | 763.2 |
| Theft Rate | 2411.3 | 4760.5 |
| Vehicle Theft Rate | 647.6 | 1296.8 |
Crime rates per 100,000 residents. 2023 FBI Uniform Crime Report data. Lower rates are better (safer).
Victim Odds
In New Orleans, you have a 1 in 25 chance of being a crime victim per year vs 1 in 14 in Memphis.
Climate: New Orleans vs Memphis
New Orleans Climate Overview
Memphis Climate Overview
Monthly Temperature Comparison
| Metric | New Orleans | Memphis |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Annual High | 78.4°F | 72.5°F |
| Avg Annual Low | 60.8°F | 53.4°F |
| Annual Rain | 64.1" | 52.1" |
| Annual Snow | None | 3.0" |
| Comfortable Months | 7 | 4 |
| Freezing Months | 0 | 1 |
Both cities have similar summer temperatures, but Memphis is 13°F colder in winter than New Orleans. Memphis gets 3 inches of snow annually, while New Orleans rarely sees any. New Orleans is wetter with 64" of annual rain compared to 52". New Orleans has more comfortable weather months (7 vs 4).
Frequently Asked Questions
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Learn More About Each City
Safety data: 2023 FBI Uniform Crime Report. Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities and C2ER Cost of Living Index. Climate: NOAA 30-year normals. Not a substitute for local guidance.
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