Phoenix, Arizona and New Orleans, Louisiana are two cities with their own unique characteristics making each attractive in its own right. Both cities offer distinctive cultures, superb cuisines, and diverse neighborhoods. However, they differ significantly in areas such as weather, cost of living, tax rates, employment opportunities, and crime rates. This guide will provide a comprehensive comparison of these two cities, focusing on safety, weather, cost of living, and other aspects that will assist you in deciding which city is the right fit for you.
Distance between
Phoenix, AZ and
New Orleans, LA : 1,314.0 miles
Phoenix's population is larger by 331%. Its population has grown by 303,524 people (23.0%) since 2000. The population of New Orleans has decreased by 107,703 people (22.2%) during that time.
When comparing Phoenix and New Orleans in terms of crime, Phoenix has a lower crime rate. Although no city is completely free from crime, New Orleans has one of the highest crime rates in the nation. New Orleans is safer than only 4% of U.S. cities. On the other hand, Phoenix, while still having crime issues, is considered safer than 18% of U.S. cities. The crime rate in Phoenix is comparatively lower, making it a safer city to live, especially for families. Light rail system in Phoenix also contributes to the overall safety in comparison to New Orleans, which has fewer public transport options.
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 3,583 registered sex offenders living in Phoenix and 701 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in Phoenix is 451 to 1; the ratio in New Orleans is 558 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents in Phoenix is near to than in New Orleans.
Cost of Living
Living in Phoenix generally costs less than living in New Orleans. Lower housing costs contribute significantly to this difference. While the cost of food, utilities, and transportation is relatively similar in both cities, housing in Phoenix is almost half as expensive as in New Orleans. Phoenix also has lower health care costs compared to New Orleans. However, it's important to note that wages adjust to these differences, so your personal financial situation plays a crucial role when considering relocating.
Income Tax
On income tax, Arizona has a progressive income tax while Louisiana has a moderately high income tax. However, if you're considering property, city, and state taxes as a whole, Arizona's overall tax burden is lower than Louisiana's.
Property Tax
Property tax rates are comparatively lower in Phoenix than in New Orleans. In Phoenix, the average property tax rate is 0.802%, while in New Orleans, it's around 0.934%. It's crucial to consider that property prices and valuations can greatly affect total tax costs.
Sales Tax
When it comes to sales tax, Phoenix residents pay 8.6% sales tax, higher than the national average, while the combined city and state sales tax in New Orleans is 9.45%, one of the highest in any major U.S city.
Income
Type
Phoenix
New Orleans
Estimated median household income
$68,435
$46,942
Estimated per capita income
$35,073
$35,587
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
101.2
97.9
If you make $50,000 in New Orleans, you will have to make $51,685 in Phoenix to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Geographically, Phoenix is in Arizona's central part, a state known for its desert climate and spectacular landscapes like the Grand Canyon. Meanwhile, New Orleans is located in southeastern Louisiana and is notable for its location along the Mississippi River and near the Gulf of Mexico.
Education systems in both cities offer various options. The Phoenix School District, with over 200 schools serving more than 143,000 students, is the largest district in the state of Arizona. It has a student-teacher ratio that's lower than the national average, suggesting better attention to individual students. However, New Orleans has many notable magnet and charter schools, but the school system here is more fragmented, making school selection slightly more complicated. New Orleans also has suffered from inconsistent education standards in the past, but recent reforms have shown promising signs of improvement.
Work prospects differ in the two cities. Phoenix boasts a strong economy that is growing faster than the national average. Dominant sectors include Real Estate, Healthcare, Manufacturing, and Retail Trade. By contrast, New Orleans' economy is heavily influenced by tourism, film and television, and sea-borne trade due to its location near the Gulf of Mexico. However, this focus makes it more vulnerable to external shocks, such as the recent COVID-19 pandemic, which hit tourism hard.
Biggest Employers
In Phoenix, top employers include Banner Health System, Walmart, and Wells Fargo. On the contrary, the biggest employers in New Orleans are Ochsner Health System, Tulane University, and the Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base New Orleans.
There were 4,922 building permits issued in Phoenix in 2012 (3970 more than in 2011) compared to 716 building permits issued in New Orleans in 2012 (1 less than in 2011).
In Phoenix (Maricopa County), 43.6% voted for Democrats and 54.3% 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
Phoenix
New Orleans
Phoenix
New Orleans
Phoenix
New Orleans
2020
50.2%
83.6%
48.0%
15.1%
1.8%
1.3%
2016
44.9%
81.1%
47.7%
14.7%
7.5%
4.2%
2012
43.6%
80.5%
54.3%
17.8%
2.1%
1.7%
2008
44.0%
79.6%
54.5%
19.1%
1.5%
1.3%
2004
42.4%
77.8%
57.0%
21.8%
0.6%
0.4%
2000
43.0%
76.2%
53.4%
21.8%
3.6%
2.0%
1996
44.5%
90.7%
47.2%
8.2%
8.2%
1.2%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Phoenix
New Orleans
Phoenix
New Orleans
CATHOLIC CHURCH
13.6%
30.9%
4.3%
16.0%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
1.9%
4.3%
6.5%
13.0%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.8%
0.2%
2.0%
0.9%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.5%
0.5%
1.5%
3.9%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.4%
1.1%
2.0%
1.8%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.3%
1.5%
1.3%
4.2%
VINEYARD USA
0.3%
0.0%
0.6%
0.0%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
0.2%
0.6%
0.6%
0.6%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
0.2%
0.5%
1.0%
1.8%
Weather
Weather is another significant factor distinguishing the two cities. Phoenix is known for its hot desert climate, with temperatures reaching as high as 120°F (48.9°C) in summer but enjoying very mild winters. This type of climate can be perfect for people who enjoy warm weather and outdoor activities. In contrast, New Orleans has a subtropical humid climate, with long hot humid summers and mild winters. The city also lies in a low-lying region making it prone to heavy rains and flooding. It's also important to consider that New Orleans is also susceptible to hurricanes, which can result in substantial damage and displacement.
Weather and climate
Type
Phoenix
New Orleans
Temperature - Average
71.5°F
69.6°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
37.5%
80.8%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
48%
32%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
60%
91%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
12%
59%
Precipitation - Yearly average
8.7 in
62.2 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
0 in
0.2 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
35.3%
16.9%
Sunshine amount - Average
92.8%
63.7%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
16%
22%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
95%
70%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
79%
48%
Wind speed - Average
6.6 mph
8.7 mph
Average climate in Phoenix, Arizona
Average climate in New Orleans, Louisiana
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Phoenix
New Orleans
Phoenix
New Orleans
Phoenix
New Orleans
Phoenix
New Orleans
Phoenix
New Orleans
Phoenix
New Orleans
Phoenix
New Orleans
2018
156
75
0.38
N/A
15.2
5.5
28.5
27.9
34.8
19.6
8.6
9.5
0.6
1.1
2017
120
73
0.41
N/A
15.9
6.0
28.6
27.6
34.9
18.8
7.6
9.5
1.4
1.6
2016
114
71
0.44
N/A
15.8
6.7
27.3
29.1
30.6
16.5
7.7
9.4
0.4
1.7
2015
102
76
0.46
N/A
17.6
6.3
27.1
26.5
26.2
17.5
7.9
8.8
0.9
1.3
2014
117
79
0.46
N/A
19.6
6.7
27.6
25.6
37.0
17.7
8.5
7.7
1.1
2.0
2013
130
73
0.43
N/A
19.9
6.5
27.9
25.8
35.3
17.8
8.4
7.4
0.9
2.6
2012
157
84
0.44
N/A
21.2
7.8
28.1
26.8
41.9
24.0
8.8
10.0
1.3
2.5
2011
203
93
0.47
N/A
20.0
7.8
28.3
27.0
41.3
24.9
9.6
8.8
0.9
2.1
2010
100
89
0.48
N/A
19.9
7.8
26.9
27.5
31.2
26.7
8.3
9.5
0.9
2.9
2009
108
81
0.52
N/A
20.1
7.6
25.6
26.5
38.2
N/A
N/A
9.1
1.8
2.8
2008
106
81
0.48
N/A
21.4
9.3
26.6
27.3
39.6
N/A
N/A
10.0
2.4
3.0
2007
129
97
0.54
N/A
23.5
9.1
25.2
28.4
47.6
N/A
N/A
10.2
2.4
3.6
2006
131
93
0.66
N/A
25.3
9.7
24.4
28.7
50.8
N/A
N/A
11.2
2.3
N/A
2005
109
93
0.74
0.58
25.9
9.0
22.2
24.7
44.6
N/A
N/A
10.6
2.5
N/A
2004
98
96
0.77
0.68
25.5
9.5
23.4
21.3
32.8
N/A
N/A
10.3
1.4
N/A
2003
101
91
0.90
0.84
26.8
9.9
23.7
19.5
42.6
N/A
N/A
11.5
1.4
N/A
2002
111
68
0.98
0.61
28.7
9.3
23.6
20.2
41.8
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.6
N/A
2001
106
88
1.00
0.81
28.6
10.2
22.3
20.6
37.8
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.5
N/A
2000
117
105
1.14
0.55
29.9
11.3
24.6
24.5
45.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.7
N/A
Natural disasters
Type
Phoenix
New Orleans
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
18.3%
125.4%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
2,597.6%
44.4%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
16%
21%
Transportation
Phoenix provides a convenient light rail system and extensive freeway system making commuting manageable. In New Orleans, the iconic streetcars and buses run by the New Orleans Regional Transit Authority can get you around the city, and it offers a more pedestrian-friendly cityscape.
Transport
Type
Phoenix
New Orleans
Amtrak stations
3
1
Amtrak stations nearby
3
1
FAA registered aircraft
1
201
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
15
2
Means of transportation to work
Type
Phoenix
New Orleans
Bicycle
0.4%
1.4%
Bus
1.8%
3.3%
Carpooled
12.2%
9%
Car alone
81.8%
79.9%
Ferryboat
0%
0.1%
Motorcycle
0.4%
0.1%
Railroad
0.2%
0.2%
Taxicab
0.1%
0.5%
Walked
1.4%
3.6%
Average travel time to work
Type
Phoenix
New Orleans
Average
28.6 min
27.7 min
Other means
26.4 min
23.4 min
Public transportation
45.1 min
42.3 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Phoenix
New Orleans
Average
1.2
1.2
Drove alone
86.4%
89.9%
In 2 person carpool
9.6%
8.2%
In 3 person carpool
2%
0.8%
In 4 person carpool
1.5%
0.4%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.3%
0.1%
In 7+ person carpool
0.3%
0.6%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
In terms of real estate, Phoenix has seen an increase in demand and housing prices in recent years due to domestic migration from higher-cost areas, but the city still remains affordable compared to many parts of the country. On the contrary, New Orleans has a more mixed housing market, with a wide range of prices depending on the neighborhood.
Neighborhoods
Both cities offer diverse neighborhoods. In Phoenix, you'll find areas like Downtown filled with vibrant art and culinary scenes, or Paradise Valley known for its luxury homes. In New Orleans, the French Quarter and Garden District offer historical charm, while Bywater and Marigny offer vibrant nightlife and a lively arts scene.
Houses and residents
Type
Phoenix
New Orleans
Houses
644,625
194,701
Average household size (people)
2.8
2.3
Median year apartment built
1987
1966
Median year house/condo built
1983
1960
Length of stay in the house since moving in
11.1 years
15.5 years
Houses occupied
602,039 (93.4%)
158,827 (81.6%)
Houses occupied by owners
354,237 (58.8%)
83,516 (52.6%)
Houses occupied by renters
247,802 (41.2%)
75,311 (47.4%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,605
$1,126
Median monthly housing costs
$1,284
$1,106
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$375,817
$470,732
Estimated median house or condo value
$352,600
$279,100
Median numbers of rooms
5.2
5.2
Median number of rooms in apartments
4
4.4
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.1
6.3
Median house price - detached houses
$452,968
$360,278
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
Over $1,000,000
$499,015
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$229,335
$347,348
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$299,875
$400,453
Median house price - mobile homes
$159,046
$25,502
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$300,398
$365,362
Median house price - All housing units
$429,075
$369,282
Median house age
36
61
Renting percentage
42.4%
52.2%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
1,357.5
1,078.3
House value disparities
30.8%
38.2%
Household income disparities
43.9%
53.1%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$96,609
$89,566
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$63,626
$53,790
Housing units without a mortgage
3,634 (1.5%)
629 (1.3%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
12,949 (5.2%)
3,326 (6.9%)
Housing units with a mortgage
246,434 (98.5%)
47,733 (98.7%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
624 (0.2%)
296 (0.6%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
16,890 (6.8%)
4,588 (9.5%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
8
14
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
1
3
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
1.2%
5.6%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
0.7%
4.6%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Phoenix
New Orleans
One, detached
60.3%
48.0%
One, attached
4.9%
9.7%
Two
1.4%
15.1%
3 or 4
4.4%
6.9%
5 to 9
5.0%
4.1%
10 to 19
5.3%
3.8%
20 to 49
4.1%
3.9%
50 or more
11.3%
8.1%
Mobile homes
3.1%
0.4%
Boats, RVs, vans, etc.
0.2%
0.0%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
48,122
9,492
State government workers
30,385
9,130
Unpaid family workers
1,048
527
Industries and Occupations
Phoenix economy is diversified and not dependent on one industry, with growth in the technology and renewable energy sector, manufacturing, healthcare, and financial services. New Orleans, however, has an economy heavily dependent on tourism, the port and oil refining, with employment opportunities in these sectors.
Both cities have access to quality healthcare. Phoenix is home to the Mayo Clinic and Banner University Medical Center which are some of the top-ranked hospitals in the country. Indeed, access to top-notch healthcare is one strength of the Phoenix area. In contrast, New Orleans also has excellent hospitals like the Ochsner Medical Center and Tulane Medical Center but does not rank as highly as Phoenix in national rankings.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Phoenix
New Orleans
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Both cities provide good infrastructure. Phoenix, being one of the largest U.S cities by area, is more spread out, necessitating the need for a car. Public transportation is available but could be improved. On the other hand, New Orleans, being a more compact city with a well-established public transit system, is more pedestrian-friendly, making it more convenient to get around without a car.
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Phoenix
New Orleans
1999
5,846
1,021
2000
4,847
942
2001
3,823
820
2002
3,472
820
2003
5,750
991
2004
9,848
1,379
2005
15,879
1,899
2006
18,392
1,426
2007
9,797
1,245
2008
3,130
683
2009
1,614
378
Culture and Food
The rich cultures of both cities are reflected in their food. Phoenix offers a blend of cuisines influenced by Mexico, the Sonoran Desert, and Native American culture. Meanwhile, Creole and Cajun dishes are abundant in New Orleans, a city famous for its food festivals like The New Orleans Wine & Food Experience and Crescent City Blues & BBQ Festival.
Sports Teams
For sports fans, Phoenix hosts teams in all four major professional sports leagues, which include the Arizona Cardinals (NFL), Phoenix Suns (NBA), Arizona Diamondbacks (MLB), and Arizona Coyotes (NHL). New Orleans is home to the New Orleans Saints (NFL) and the New Orleans Pelicans (NBA).
Phoenix, AZ
New Orleans, LA
Phoenix, AZ and 
New Orleans, LA : 1,314.0 miles
