Cost of Living: Arlington, TX vs New Orleans, LA (2026)

Arlington

Texas
95
VS

New Orleans

Louisiana
90

Arlington is 5% more expensive than New Orleans.

$1,389/mo ↑ 15%
Median Rent
$1,211/mo ↓ 13%
$73,519/yr ↑ 33%
Median Income
$55,339/yr ↓ 25%
$276,400 ↓ 7%
Home Value
$296,400 ↑ 7%
$1,420/mo ↑ 11%
Owner Costs
$1,274/mo ↓ 10%
394,769
Population
376,035

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.25%
Sales Tax
4.45%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Arlington, TX and New Orleans, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 95 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $178/month cheaper in New Orleans, saving renters about $2,136/year.

Median household income is $18,180/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Arlington is $276,400 compared to $296,400 in New Orleans.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Arlington residents a significant tax advantage over Louisiana's 4.25% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Arlington vs New Orleans — common questions

Is Arlington or New Orleans cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, New Orleans is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 95 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Arlington and New Orleans?
Median rent in Arlington is $1,389/month and in New Orleans it's $1,211/month — a difference of $178/month.
Which city has higher income, Arlington or New Orleans?
Median household income is $73,519 in Arlington and $55,339 in New Orleans. Median household income is $18,180/year higher in Arlington.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Louisiana?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Arlington or New Orleans?
It depends on your priorities. Arlington has a cost index of 95 with median rent of $1,389/mo, while New Orleans has a cost index of 90 with rent of $1,211/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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