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

New Orleans

Louisiana
90
VS

McKinney

Texas
138

New Orleans is 35% cheaper than McKinney.

$1,211/mo ↓ 34%
Median Rent
$1,841/mo ↑ 52%
$55,339/yr ↓ 54%
Median Income
$120,273/yr ↑ 117%
$296,400 ↓ 33%
Home Value
$439,500 ↑ 48%
$1,274/mo ↓ 39%
Owner Costs
$2,101/mo ↑ 65%
376,035
Population
202,314

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
18.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing New Orleans, LA and McKinney, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 90 and 138 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $630/month cheaper in New Orleans, saving renters about $7,560/year.

Median household income is $64,934/year higher in McKinney. Home values also differ significantly — the median in New Orleans is $296,400 compared to $439,500 in McKinney.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

New Orleans vs McKinney — common questions

Is New Orleans or McKinney cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, New Orleans is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between New Orleans and McKinney?
Median rent in New Orleans is $1,211/month and in McKinney it's $1,841/month — a difference of $630/month.
Which city has higher income, New Orleans or McKinney?
Median household income is $55,339 in New Orleans and $120,273 in McKinney. Median household income is $64,934/year higher in McKinney.
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 McKinney?
It depends on your priorities. New Orleans has a cost index of 90 with median rent of $1,211/mo, while McKinney has a cost index of 138 with rent of $1,841/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View New Orleans details → View McKinney details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for New Orleans and McKinney

New Orleans vs. Aurora New Orleans vs. Cleveland New Orleans vs. Tampa New Orleans vs. Honolulu New Orleans vs. Arlington New Orleans vs. Anaheim McKinney vs. Little Rock McKinney vs. Augusta McKinney vs. Salt Lake City McKinney vs. Oxnard McKinney vs. Columbus McKinney vs. Amarillo