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

New Orleans

Louisiana
90
VS

Laredo

Texas
67

New Orleans is 34% more expensive than Laredo.

$1,211/mo ↑ 21%
Median Rent
$1,001/mo ↓ 17%
$55,339/yr ↓ 13%
Median Income
$63,264/yr ↑ 14%
$296,400 ↑ 62%
Home Value
$182,400 ↓ 38%
$1,274/mo ↑ 20%
Owner Costs
$1,066/mo ↓ 16%
376,035
Population
255,949

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
19.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing New Orleans, LA and Laredo, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 90 and 67 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $210/month cheaper in Laredo, saving renters about $2,520/year.

Median household income is $7,925/year higher in Laredo. Home values also differ significantly — the median in New Orleans is $296,400 compared to $182,400 in Laredo.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

New Orleans vs Laredo — common questions

Is New Orleans or Laredo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Laredo is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 90 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between New Orleans and Laredo?
Median rent in New Orleans is $1,211/month and in Laredo it's $1,001/month — a difference of $210/month.
Which city has higher income, New Orleans or Laredo?
Median household income is $55,339 in New Orleans and $63,264 in Laredo. Median household income is $7,925/year higher in Laredo.
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 Laredo?
It depends on your priorities. New Orleans has a cost index of 90 with median rent of $1,211/mo, while Laredo has a cost index of 67 with rent of $1,001/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View New Orleans details → View Laredo details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for New Orleans and Laredo

New Orleans vs. Aurora New Orleans vs. Cleveland New Orleans vs. Tampa New Orleans vs. Honolulu New Orleans vs. Arlington New Orleans vs. Anaheim Laredo vs. St. Petersburg Laredo vs. Irving Laredo vs. Lubbock Laredo vs. Chesapeake Laredo vs. Fort Wayne Laredo vs. Winston-Salem