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

New Orleans

Louisiana
90
VS

Garland

Texas
96

New Orleans is 6% cheaper than Garland.

$1,211/mo ↓ 21%
Median Rent
$1,525/mo ↑ 26%
$55,339/yr ↓ 26%
Median Income
$74,717/yr ↑ 35%
$296,400 ↑ 19%
Home Value
$248,900 ↓ 16%
$1,274/mo ↓ 12%
Owner Costs
$1,445/mo ↑ 13%
376,035
Population
245,298

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
24.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing New Orleans, LA and Garland, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 90 and 96 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $314/month cheaper in New Orleans, saving renters about $3,768/year.

Median household income is $19,378/year higher in Garland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in New Orleans is $296,400 compared to $248,900 in Garland.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

New Orleans vs Garland — common questions

Is New Orleans or Garland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, New Orleans is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 96 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between New Orleans and Garland?
Median rent in New Orleans is $1,211/month and in Garland it's $1,525/month — a difference of $314/month.
Which city has higher income, New Orleans or Garland?
Median household income is $55,339 in New Orleans and $74,717 in Garland. Median household income is $19,378/year higher in Garland.
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 Garland?
It depends on your priorities. New Orleans has a cost index of 90 with median rent of $1,211/mo, while Garland has a cost index of 96 with rent of $1,525/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View New Orleans details → View Garland details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for New Orleans and Garland

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