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

New Orleans

Louisiana
90
VS

College Station

Texas
91

New Orleans and College Station have a similar cost of living.

$1,211/mo ↑ 4%
Median Rent
$1,168/mo ↓ 4%
$55,339/yr ↑ 7%
Median Income
$51,776/yr ↓ 6%
$296,400 ↓ 9%
Home Value
$326,500 ↑ 10%
$1,274/mo ↑ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,251/mo ↓ 2%
376,035
Population
122,280

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
27.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing New Orleans, LA and College Station, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 90 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $3,563/year higher in New Orleans. Home values also differ significantly — the median in New Orleans is $296,400 compared to $326,500 in College Station.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

New Orleans vs College Station — common questions

Is New Orleans or College Station cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, New Orleans is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 91 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between New Orleans and College Station?
Median rent in New Orleans is $1,211/month and in College Station it's $1,168/month — a difference of $43/month.
Which city has higher income, New Orleans or College Station?
Median household income is $55,339 in New Orleans and $51,776 in College Station. Median household income is $3,563/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 College Station?
It depends on your priorities. New Orleans has a cost index of 90 with median rent of $1,211/mo, while College Station has a cost index of 91 with rent of $1,168/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View New Orleans details → View College Station details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for New Orleans and College Station

New Orleans vs. Aurora New Orleans vs. Cleveland New Orleans vs. Tampa New Orleans vs. Honolulu New Orleans vs. Arlington New Orleans vs. Anaheim College Station vs. Clovis College Station vs. Independence College Station vs. Arvada College Station vs. Rochester College Station vs. Concord College Station vs. Lafayette