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

Houston

Texas
88
VS

New Orleans

Louisiana
90

Houston and New Orleans have a similar cost of living.

$1,313/mo ↑ 8%
Median Rent
$1,211/mo ↓ 8%
$62,894/yr ↑ 14%
Median Income
$55,339/yr ↓ 12%
$253,400 ↓ 15%
Home Value
$296,400 ↑ 17%
$1,316/mo ↑ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,274/mo ↓ 3%
2,300,419
Population
376,035

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Houston, TX and New Orleans, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $102/month cheaper in New Orleans, saving renters about $1,224/year.

Median household income is $7,555/year higher in Houston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Houston is $253,400 compared to $296,400 in New Orleans.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Houston vs New Orleans — common questions

Is Houston or New Orleans cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Houston is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 90 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Houston and New Orleans?
Median rent in Houston is $1,313/month and in New Orleans it's $1,211/month — a difference of $102/month.
Which city has higher income, Houston or New Orleans?
Median household income is $62,894 in Houston and $55,339 in New Orleans. Median household income is $7,555/year higher in Houston.
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 Houston or New Orleans?
It depends on your priorities. Houston has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,313/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

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