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

New Orleans

Louisiana
90
VS

Irving

Texas
102

New Orleans is 12% cheaper than Irving.

$1,211/mo ↓ 20%
Median Rent
$1,517/mo ↑ 25%
$55,339/yr ↓ 31%
Median Income
$79,641/yr ↑ 44%
$296,400 ↑ 3%
Home Value
$287,300 ↓ 3%
$1,274/mo ↓ 16%
Owner Costs
$1,521/mo ↑ 19%
376,035
Population
255,036

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
22.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing New Orleans, LA and Irving, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 90 and 102 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $306/month cheaper in New Orleans, saving renters about $3,672/year.

Median household income is $24,302/year higher in Irving. Home values also differ significantly — the median in New Orleans is $296,400 compared to $287,300 in Irving.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

New Orleans vs Irving — common questions

Is New Orleans or Irving cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, New Orleans is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 102 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between New Orleans and Irving?
Median rent in New Orleans is $1,211/month and in Irving it's $1,517/month — a difference of $306/month.
Which city has higher income, New Orleans or Irving?
Median household income is $55,339 in New Orleans and $79,641 in Irving. Median household income is $24,302/year higher in Irving.
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 Irving?
It depends on your priorities. New Orleans has a cost index of 90 with median rent of $1,211/mo, while Irving has a cost index of 102 with rent of $1,517/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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