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

Dallas

Texas
97
VS

New Orleans

Louisiana
90

Dallas is 8% more expensive than New Orleans.

$1,403/mo ↑ 16%
Median Rent
$1,211/mo ↓ 14%
$67,760/yr ↑ 22%
Median Income
$55,339/yr ↓ 18%
$295,300 ≈ Same
Home Value
$296,400 ≈ Same
$1,409/mo ↑ 11%
Owner Costs
$1,274/mo ↓ 10%
1,299,553
Population
376,035

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

24.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Dallas, TX and New Orleans, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 97 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $192/month cheaper in New Orleans, saving renters about $2,304/year.

Median household income is $12,421/year higher in Dallas. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Dallas is $295,300 compared to $296,400 in New Orleans.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Dallas vs New Orleans — common questions

Is Dallas 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 97 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Dallas and New Orleans?
Median rent in Dallas is $1,403/month and in New Orleans it's $1,211/month — a difference of $192/month.
Which city has higher income, Dallas or New Orleans?
Median household income is $67,760 in Dallas and $55,339 in New Orleans. Median household income is $12,421/year higher in Dallas.
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 Dallas or New Orleans?
It depends on your priorities. Dallas has a cost index of 97 with median rent of $1,403/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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More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Dallas and New Orleans

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