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

New Orleans

Louisiana
90
VS

Odessa

Texas
83

New Orleans is 8% more expensive than Odessa.

$1,211/mo ↓ 8%
Median Rent
$1,322/mo ↑ 9%
$55,339/yr ↓ 24%
Median Income
$73,030/yr ↑ 32%
$296,400 ↑ 42%
Home Value
$208,000 ↓ 30%
$1,274/mo ↑ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,251/mo ↓ 2%
376,035
Population
114,080

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
21.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing New Orleans, LA and Odessa, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 90 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $111/month cheaper in New Orleans, saving renters about $1,332/year.

Median household income is $17,691/year higher in Odessa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in New Orleans is $296,400 compared to $208,000 in Odessa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

New Orleans vs Odessa — common questions

Is New Orleans or Odessa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Odessa is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 90 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between New Orleans and Odessa?
Median rent in New Orleans is $1,211/month and in Odessa it's $1,322/month — a difference of $111/month.
Which city has higher income, New Orleans or Odessa?
Median household income is $55,339 in New Orleans and $73,030 in Odessa. Median household income is $17,691/year higher in Odessa.
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 Odessa?
It depends on your priorities. New Orleans has a cost index of 90 with median rent of $1,211/mo, while Odessa has a cost index of 83 with rent of $1,322/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View New Orleans details → View Odessa details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for New Orleans and Odessa

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