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

Austin

Texas
134
VS

New Orleans

Louisiana
90

Austin is 49% more expensive than New Orleans.

$1,655/mo ↑ 37%
Median Rent
$1,211/mo ↓ 27%
$91,461/yr ↑ 65%
Median Income
$55,339/yr ↓ 39%
$512,700 ↑ 73%
Home Value
$296,400 ↓ 42%
$1,747/mo ↑ 37%
Owner Costs
$1,274/mo ↓ 27%
967,862
Population
376,035

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

21.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Austin, TX and New Orleans, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 134 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $444/month cheaper in New Orleans, saving renters about $5,328/year.

Median household income is $36,122/year higher in Austin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Austin is $512,700 compared to $296,400 in New Orleans.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Austin vs New Orleans — common questions

Is Austin 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 134 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Austin and New Orleans?
Median rent in Austin is $1,655/month and in New Orleans it's $1,211/month — a difference of $444/month.
Which city has higher income, Austin or New Orleans?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin and $55,339 in New Orleans. Median household income is $36,122/year higher in Austin.
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 Austin or New Orleans?
It depends on your priorities. Austin has a cost index of 134 with median rent of $1,655/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.
View Austin details → View New Orleans details →

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