While both Columbus, Ohio, and New Orleans, Louisiana offer their unique set of amenities and lifestyle, they have distinct characteristics. Columbus is known for its vibrant mix of education, culture, and economy, while New Orleans presents an alluring blend of heritage, music, food, and entertainment. A comparison of various factors reveals certain benefits and drawbacks inherent to each location.
Distance between
Columbus, OH and
New Orleans, LA : 798.7 miles
Columbus's population is larger by 141%. Its population has grown by 195,058 people (27.4%) since 2000. The population of New Orleans has decreased by 107,703 people (22.2%) during that time.
Both cities have crime rates higher than the national average but differ in specifics. In general, New Orleans has a higher violent crime rate, which could be a concern for potential residents or tourists. Columbus, while also having concerns around crime, has a lower rate than New Orleans. Organizations in both cities have undertaken significant efforts to improve safety conditions.
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
Sex Offenders
According to our data, there are 1,506 registered sex offenders living in Columbus and 701 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in Columbus is 573 to 1; the ratio in New Orleans is 558 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents in Columbus is near to than in New Orleans.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in New Orleans is generally higher than in Columbus, especially regarding housing costs. However, some expenses like healthcare and utilities are slightly cheaper in New Orleans than in Columbus. These factors should be considered before deciding to relocate to either city.
Income Tax
Ohio levies a city and state income tax, while Louisiana has a state income tax but no city income tax. However, the overall burden might depend on various factors, including income level, deductions, and credits.
Property Tax
Property taxes are generally lower in Columbus than in New Orleans. However, the actual tax amounts will depend on the property value and the specific area within the city.
Sales Tax
The combined city and state sales tax is higher in New Orleans than in Columbus. Ohio's state sales tax rate is lower than Louisiana's, which could make a difference for potential residents considering the cost of living.
Income
Type
Columbus
New Orleans
Estimated median household income
$58,202
$46,942
Estimated per capita income
$32,392
$35,587
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
96.1
97.9
If you make $50,000 in Columbus, you will have to make $50,937 in New Orleans to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Columbus, with its flat topography, is located in the heartland with many outdoor recreational opportunities. New Orleans' unique geographical conditions, like its proximity to the Gulf of Mexico and below-sea-level altitude, offer a distinct environment but also pose certain challenges like flooding.
Columbus is home to the esteemed Ohio State University and several other institutions, making it an educational hub. New Orleans also hosts universities like Tulane and Loyola, but its education sector is not as robust as Columbus'.
Both cities have diverse economies. Columbus is known for its finance, education, and healthcare sectors, while New Orleans' economy thrives on tourism, port operations, and oil refining. The unemployment rate is slightly lower in Columbus than in New Orleans.
Biggest Employers
The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and JP Morgan Chase are among the largest employers in Columbus. In New Orleans, Tulane University, Ochsner Health System, and the city's thriving hospitality industry provide many jobs.
There were 913 building permits issued in Columbus in 2012 (246 more than in 2011) compared to 716 building permits issued in New Orleans in 2012 (1 less than in 2011).
In Columbus (Franklin County), 60.8% voted for Democrats and 37.9% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In New Orleans (Orleans Parish), 80.5% voted for Democrats and 17.8% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Columbus
New Orleans
Columbus
New Orleans
Columbus
New Orleans
2020
64.7%
83.6%
33.4%
15.1%
1.9%
1.3%
2016
59.8%
81.1%
33.9%
14.7%
6.2%
4.2%
2012
60.8%
80.5%
37.9%
17.8%
1.3%
1.7%
2008
59.8%
79.6%
39.0%
19.1%
1.2%
1.3%
2004
54.5%
77.8%
45.2%
21.8%
0.3%
0.4%
2000
48.9%
76.2%
47.9%
21.8%
3.2%
2.0%
1996
48.1%
90.7%
44.5%
8.2%
7.3%
1.2%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Columbus
New Orleans
Columbus
New Orleans
CATHOLIC CHURCH
13.2%
30.9%
5.6%
16.0%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
1.6%
0.2%
3.7%
0.9%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
1.6%
4.3%
6.8%
13.0%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
1.3%
0.5%
1.9%
1.8%
VINEYARD USA
1.3%
0.0%
1.2%
0.0%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
1.0%
0.6%
3.3%
0.6%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.4%
1.5%
1.3%
4.2%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.4%
1.1%
2.0%
1.8%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.2%
0.5%
1.0%
3.9%
Weather
Columbus experiences a typical Midwestern climate with hot summers and cold winters. New Orleans, on the other hand, has a subtropical climate with mild winters and humid, hot summers. While Columbus might attract those who enjoy experiencing all four seasons, New Orleans' climate might appeal to those who prefer milder winters.
Weather and climate
Type
Columbus
New Orleans
Temperature - Average
52.8°F
69.6°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
74.8%
80.8%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
34%
32%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
86%
91%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
52%
59%
Precipitation - Yearly average
39.3 in
62.2 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
56.6 in
0.2 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
12%
16.9%
Sunshine amount - Average
49.7%
63.7%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
27%
22%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
55%
70%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
28%
48%
Wind speed - Average
8.2 mph
8.7 mph
Average climate in Columbus, Ohio
Average climate in New Orleans, Louisiana
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Columbus
New Orleans
Columbus
New Orleans
Columbus
New Orleans
Columbus
New Orleans
Columbus
New Orleans
Columbus
New Orleans
Columbus
New Orleans
2018
69
75
0.11
N/A
10.0
5.5
33.8
27.9
N/A
19.6
6.0
9.5
0.0
1.1
2017
68
73
0.16
N/A
9.6
6.0
28.7
27.6
N/A
18.8
5.5
9.5
0.1
1.6
2016
76
71
0.17
N/A
10.6
6.7
28.5
29.1
N/A
16.5
5.6
9.4
0.1
1.7
2015
74
76
0.16
N/A
11.3
6.3
27.0
26.5
N/A
17.5
6.1
8.8
0.1
1.3
2014
82
79
0.20
N/A
11.0
6.7
28.5
25.6
N/A
17.7
7.4
7.7
0.5
2.0
2013
78
73
N/A
N/A
8.9
6.5
29.6
25.8
N/A
17.8
7.8
7.4
0.6
2.6
2012
87
84
N/A
N/A
N/A
7.8
32.9
26.8
N/A
24.0
8.9
10.0
N/A
2.5
2011
89
93
N/A
N/A
N/A
7.8
28.1
27.0
N/A
24.9
8.9
8.8
N/A
2.1
2010
90
89
N/A
N/A
N/A
7.8
30.5
27.5
N/A
26.7
9.1
9.5
N/A
2.9
2009
61
81
N/A
N/A
N/A
7.6
28.7
26.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
9.1
N/A
2.8
2008
65
81
N/A
N/A
N/A
9.3
31.2
27.3
N/A
N/A
N/A
10.0
1.8
3.0
2007
80
97
N/A
N/A
N/A
9.1
30.8
28.4
N/A
N/A
N/A
10.2
2.8
3.6
2006
75
93
N/A
N/A
N/A
9.7
30.0
28.7
23.7
N/A
N/A
11.2
3.3
N/A
2005
87
93
N/A
0.58
N/A
9.0
29.6
24.7
27.5
N/A
N/A
10.6
4.1
N/A
2004
77
96
N/A
0.68
N/A
9.5
27.8
21.3
24.6
N/A
N/A
10.3
4.4
N/A
2003
91
91
N/A
0.84
N/A
9.9
26.4
19.5
23.9
N/A
N/A
11.5
4.1
N/A
2002
93
68
N/A
0.61
N/A
9.3
31.3
20.2
25.7
N/A
N/A
N/A
4.1
N/A
2001
84
88
N/A
0.81
N/A
10.2
29.2
20.6
25.9
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.5
N/A
2000
57
105
N/A
0.55
N/A
11.3
N/A
24.5
23.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.7
N/A
Natural disasters
Type
Columbus
New Orleans
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
119.1%
125.4%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
96.1%
44.4%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
16%
21%
Transportation
While both cities have extensive public transportation systems, Columbus' is considered more efficient. The average commute time in Columbus is lower compared to New Orleans. However, New Orleans provides a unique experience with its iconic streetcars.
Transport
Type
Columbus
New Orleans
Amtrak stations
1
1
Amtrak stations nearby
1
1
FAA registered aircraft
415
201
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
4
2
Means of transportation to work
Type
Columbus
New Orleans
Bicycle
0.6%
1.4%
Bus
1.6%
3.3%
Carpooled
7.4%
9%
Car alone
86.7%
79.9%
Ferryboat
0%
0.1%
Motorcycle
0%
0.1%
Railroad
0%
0.2%
Taxicab
0.1%
0.5%
Walked
2.2%
3.6%
Average travel time to work
Type
Columbus
New Orleans
Average
26.1 min
27.7 min
Other means
21.7 min
23.4 min
Public transportation
35.4 min
42.3 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Columbus
New Orleans
Average
1.1
1.2
Drove alone
90.7%
89.9%
In 2 person carpool
7.3%
8.2%
In 3 person carpool
1.4%
0.8%
In 4 person carpool
0.5%
0.4%
In 7+ person carpool
0.1%
0.6%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
Columbus' real estate market is more affordable than that of New Orleans. Both cities offer a variety of housing options, from the suburban to urban living. New Orleans offers unique architectural choices with its historic homes.
Neighborhoods
Each city showcases a myriad of neighborhoods with their unique feel. Columbus offers areas like German Village and Victorian Village that exude charm, while New Orleans' French Quarter and Garden District offer vibrant culture and historic architecture.
Houses and residents
Type
Columbus
New Orleans
Houses
422,120
194,701
Average household size (people)
2.3
2.3
Median year apartment built
1982
1966
Median year house/condo built
1977
1960
Length of stay in the house since moving in
12.6 years
15.5 years
Houses occupied
390,605 (92.5%)
158,827 (81.6%)
Houses occupied by owners
175,427 (44.9%)
83,516 (52.6%)
Houses occupied by renters
215,178 (55.1%)
75,311 (47.4%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,371
$1,126
Median monthly housing costs
$1,110
$1,106
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$195,022
$470,732
Estimated median house or condo value
$219,200
$279,100
Median numbers of rooms
5
5.2
Median number of rooms in apartments
4.2
4.4
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.3
6.3
Median house price - detached houses
$233,452
$360,278
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$121,729
$499,015
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$215,337
$347,348
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$240,711
$400,453
Median house price - mobile homes
$121,578
$25,502
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$218,726
$365,362
Median house price - All housing units
$229,736
$369,282
Median house age
42
61
Renting percentage
53%
52.2%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
2,007.5
1,078.3
House value disparities
30.2%
38.2%
Household income disparities
42.4%
53.1%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$89,058
$89,566
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$59,295
$53,790
Housing units without a mortgage
4,290 (3.3%)
629 (1.3%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
10,651 (8.2%)
3,326 (6.9%)
Housing units with a mortgage
125,487 (96.7%)
47,733 (98.7%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
775 (0.6%)
296 (0.6%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
13,558 (10.4%)
4,588 (9.5%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
10
14
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
1
3
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
1.6%
5.6%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
1.3%
4.6%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Columbus
New Orleans
One, detached
45.8%
48.0%
One, attached
9.1%
9.7%
Two
4.0%
15.1%
3 or 4
8.6%
6.9%
5 to 9
11.8%
4.1%
10 to 19
8.6%
3.8%
20 to 49
4.5%
3.9%
50 or more
6.8%
8.1%
Mobile homes
0.8%
0.4%
Boats, RVs, vans, etc.
0.1%
0.0%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
20,915
9,492
State government workers
31,881
9,130
Unpaid family workers
724
527
Industries and Occupations
In Columbus, dominant industries include finance, education, healthcare, and technology, while in New Orleans, the tourism, oil, and port industries prevail. Regarding occupations, both cities offer a wide range of jobs, depending on the industry.
Both cities offer competent healthcare services. Columbus boasts renowned facilities like The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. New Orleans' healthcare system has seen significant improvement since Hurricane Katrina, with leading institutions like Ochsner Medical Center.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Columbus
New Orleans
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Infrastructure in Columbus is continually developing, with a solid network of highways and public transportation. Conversely, New Orleans, with its antique charm, has areas where infrastructure improvements are needed, particularly after the devastating effects of Hurricane Katrina.
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Columbus
New Orleans
1999
2,450
1,021
2000
2,376
942
2001
1,897
820
2002
1,483
820
2003
2,087
991
2004
3,216
1,379
2005
4,275
1,899
2006
4,662
1,426
2007
2,679
1,245
2008
1,015
683
2009
555
378
Culture and Food
Columbus offers a vibrant arts scene, music festivals, and varied cuisine reflecting its diverse population. New Orleans stands out with its world-renowned jazz music, unique blend of cultures, and iconic Creole and Cajun cuisines.
Sports Teams
Columbus hosts major sports teams like the Columbus Blue Jackets (NHL) and Columbus Crew SC (MLS). New Orleans is home to the Saints (NFL) and the Pelicans (NBA), offering an energetic sports atmosphere.
Columbus, OH
New Orleans, LA
Columbus, OH and 
New Orleans, LA : 798.7 miles
