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

Fort Worth

Texas
97
VS

New Orleans

Louisiana
90

Fort Worth is 8% more expensive than New Orleans.

$1,412/mo ↑ 17%
Median Rent
$1,211/mo ↓ 14%
$76,602/yr ↑ 38%
Median Income
$55,339/yr ↓ 28%
$277,300 ↓ 6%
Home Value
$296,400 ↑ 7%
$1,489/mo ↑ 17%
Owner Costs
$1,274/mo ↓ 14%
941,311
Population
376,035

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Worth, TX and New Orleans, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 97 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $201/month cheaper in New Orleans, saving renters about $2,412/year.

Median household income is $21,263/year higher in Fort Worth. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Worth is $277,300 compared to $296,400 in New Orleans.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Worth vs New Orleans — common questions

Is Fort Worth 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 Fort Worth and New Orleans?
Median rent in Fort Worth is $1,412/month and in New Orleans it's $1,211/month — a difference of $201/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Worth or New Orleans?
Median household income is $76,602 in Fort Worth and $55,339 in New Orleans. Median household income is $21,263/year higher in Fort Worth.
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 Fort Worth or New Orleans?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Worth has a cost index of 97 with median rent of $1,412/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 Fort Worth details → View New Orleans details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fort Worth and New Orleans

Fort Worth vs. Jacksonville Fort Worth vs. Columbus Fort Worth vs. Austin Fort Worth vs. Charlotte Fort Worth vs. San Jose Fort Worth vs. Indianapolis New Orleans vs. Aurora New Orleans vs. Cleveland New Orleans vs. Tampa New Orleans vs. Honolulu New Orleans vs. Arlington New Orleans vs. Anaheim