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

New Orleans

Louisiana
90
VS

Allen

Texas
137

New Orleans is 34% cheaper than Allen.

$1,211/mo ↓ 35%
Median Rent
$1,877/mo ↑ 55%
$55,339/yr ↓ 57%
Median Income
$129,130/yr ↑ 133%
$296,400 ↓ 31%
Home Value
$429,900 ↑ 45%
$1,274/mo ↓ 39%
Owner Costs
$2,083/mo ↑ 64%
376,035
Population
107,684

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
17.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing New Orleans, LA and Allen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 90 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $666/month cheaper in New Orleans, saving renters about $7,992/year.

Median household income is $73,791/year higher in Allen. Home values also differ significantly — the median in New Orleans is $296,400 compared to $429,900 in Allen.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

New Orleans vs Allen — common questions

Is New Orleans or Allen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, New Orleans is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between New Orleans and Allen?
Median rent in New Orleans is $1,211/month and in Allen it's $1,877/month — a difference of $666/month.
Which city has higher income, New Orleans or Allen?
Median household income is $55,339 in New Orleans and $129,130 in Allen. Median household income is $73,791/year higher in Allen.
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 Allen?
It depends on your priorities. New Orleans has a cost index of 90 with median rent of $1,211/mo, while Allen has a cost index of 137 with rent of $1,877/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View New Orleans details → View Allen details →

More Comparisons

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