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

New Orleans

Louisiana
90
VS

Brownsville

Texas
54

New Orleans is 67% more expensive than Brownsville.

$1,211/mo ↑ 34%
Median Rent
$906/mo ↓ 25%
$55,339/yr ↑ 14%
Median Income
$48,675/yr ↓ 12%
$296,400 ↑ 142%
Home Value
$122,400 ↓ 59%
$1,274/mo ↑ 53%
Owner Costs
$830/mo ↓ 35%
376,035
Population
188,023

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
22.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing New Orleans, LA and Brownsville, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 90 and 54 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $305/month cheaper in Brownsville, saving renters about $3,660/year.

Median household income is $6,664/year higher in New Orleans. Home values also differ significantly — the median in New Orleans is $296,400 compared to $122,400 in Brownsville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

New Orleans vs Brownsville — common questions

Is New Orleans or Brownsville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Brownsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 54 compared to 90 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between New Orleans and Brownsville?
Median rent in New Orleans is $1,211/month and in Brownsville it's $906/month — a difference of $305/month.
Which city has higher income, New Orleans or Brownsville?
Median household income is $55,339 in New Orleans and $48,675 in Brownsville. Median household income is $6,664/year higher in New Orleans.
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 Brownsville?
It depends on your priorities. New Orleans has a cost index of 90 with median rent of $1,211/mo, while Brownsville has a cost index of 54 with rent of $906/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View New Orleans details → View Brownsville details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for New Orleans and Brownsville

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