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

New Orleans

Louisiana
90
VS

Mesquite

Texas
89

New Orleans and Mesquite have a similar cost of living.

$1,211/mo ↓ 14%
Median Rent
$1,407/mo ↑ 16%
$55,339/yr ↓ 23%
Median Income
$71,843/yr ↑ 30%
$296,400 ↑ 31%
Home Value
$226,500 ↓ 24%
$1,274/mo ↓ 8%
Owner Costs
$1,383/mo ↑ 9%
376,035
Population
148,848

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
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing New Orleans, LA and Mesquite, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 90 and 89 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $196/month cheaper in New Orleans, saving renters about $2,352/year.

Median household income is $16,504/year higher in Mesquite. Home values also differ significantly — the median in New Orleans is $296,400 compared to $226,500 in Mesquite.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

New Orleans vs Mesquite — common questions

Is New Orleans or Mesquite cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Mesquite is cheaper to live in with an index of 89 compared to 90 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between New Orleans and Mesquite?
Median rent in New Orleans is $1,211/month and in Mesquite it's $1,407/month — a difference of $196/month.
Which city has higher income, New Orleans or Mesquite?
Median household income is $55,339 in New Orleans and $71,843 in Mesquite. Median household income is $16,504/year higher in Mesquite.
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 Mesquite?
It depends on your priorities. New Orleans has a cost index of 90 with median rent of $1,211/mo, while Mesquite has a cost index of 89 with rent of $1,407/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View New Orleans details → View Mesquite details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for New Orleans and Mesquite

New Orleans vs. Aurora New Orleans vs. Cleveland New Orleans vs. Tampa New Orleans vs. Honolulu New Orleans vs. Arlington New Orleans vs. Anaheim Mesquite vs. Pasadena Mesquite vs. Pomona Mesquite vs. Naperville Mesquite vs. Bridgeport Mesquite vs. Surprise Mesquite vs. Rockford