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

New Orleans

Louisiana
90
VS

Abilene

Texas
71

New Orleans is 27% more expensive than Abilene.

$1,211/mo ↑ 9%
Median Rent
$1,106/mo ↓ 9%
$55,339/yr ↓ 12%
Median Income
$62,720/yr ↑ 13%
$296,400 ↑ 66%
Home Value
$178,900 ↓ 40%
$1,274/mo ↑ 14%
Owner Costs
$1,114/mo ↓ 13%
376,035
Population
127,130

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

26.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing New Orleans, LA and Abilene, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 90 and 71 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $105/month cheaper in Abilene, saving renters about $1,260/year.

Median household income is $7,381/year higher in Abilene. Home values also differ significantly — the median in New Orleans is $296,400 compared to $178,900 in Abilene.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

New Orleans vs Abilene — common questions

Is New Orleans or Abilene cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Abilene is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 90 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between New Orleans and Abilene?
Median rent in New Orleans is $1,211/month and in Abilene it's $1,106/month — a difference of $105/month.
Which city has higher income, New Orleans or Abilene?
Median household income is $55,339 in New Orleans and $62,720 in Abilene. Median household income is $7,381/year higher in Abilene.
How do taxes compare between Louisiana and Texas?
Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to New Orleans or Abilene?
It depends on your priorities. New Orleans has a cost index of 90 with median rent of $1,211/mo, while Abilene has a cost index of 71 with rent of $1,106/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View New Orleans details → View Abilene details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for New Orleans and Abilene

New Orleans vs. Aurora New Orleans vs. Cleveland New Orleans vs. Tampa New Orleans vs. Honolulu New Orleans vs. Arlington New Orleans vs. Anaheim Abilene vs. Columbia Abilene vs. Athens Abilene vs. Lehigh Acres Abilene vs. Topeka Abilene vs. Lewisville Abilene vs. Pearland