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

New Orleans

Louisiana
90
VS

Midland

Texas
99

New Orleans is 9% cheaper than Midland.

$1,211/mo ↓ 14%
Median Rent
$1,407/mo ↑ 16%
$55,339/yr ↓ 39%
Median Income
$91,169/yr ↑ 65%
$296,400 ≈ Same
Home Value
$298,600 ≈ Same
$1,274/mo ↓ 13%
Owner Costs
$1,468/mo ↑ 15%
376,035
Population
133,998

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
18.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing New Orleans, LA and Midland, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 90 and 99 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $196/month cheaper in New Orleans, saving renters about $2,352/year.

Median household income is $35,830/year higher in Midland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in New Orleans is $296,400 compared to $298,600 in Midland.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

New Orleans vs Midland — common questions

Is New Orleans or Midland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, New Orleans is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 99 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between New Orleans and Midland?
Median rent in New Orleans is $1,211/month and in Midland it's $1,407/month — a difference of $196/month.
Which city has higher income, New Orleans or Midland?
Median household income is $55,339 in New Orleans and $91,169 in Midland. Median household income is $35,830/year higher in Midland.
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 Midland?
It depends on your priorities. New Orleans has a cost index of 90 with median rent of $1,211/mo, while Midland has a cost index of 99 with rent of $1,407/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View New Orleans details → View Midland details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for New Orleans and Midland

New Orleans vs. Aurora New Orleans vs. Cleveland New Orleans vs. Tampa New Orleans vs. Honolulu New Orleans vs. Arlington New Orleans vs. Anaheim Midland vs. Kent Midland vs. Coral Springs Midland vs. Stamford Midland vs. Sterling Heights Midland vs. Elizabeth Midland vs. New Haven