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

New Orleans

Louisiana
90
VS

Pasadena

Texas
76

New Orleans is 18% more expensive than Pasadena.

$1,211/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,201/mo ≈ Same
$55,339/yr ↓ 14%
Median Income
$64,270/yr ↑ 16%
$296,400 ↑ 53%
Home Value
$193,600 ↓ 35%
$1,274/mo ↑ 12%
Owner Costs
$1,141/mo ↓ 10%
376,035
Population
149,345

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
22.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing New Orleans, LA and Pasadena, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 90 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $8,931/year higher in Pasadena. Home values also differ significantly — the median in New Orleans is $296,400 compared to $193,600 in Pasadena.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

New Orleans vs Pasadena — common questions

Is New Orleans or Pasadena cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Pasadena is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 90 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between New Orleans and Pasadena?
Median rent in New Orleans is $1,211/month and in Pasadena it's $1,201/month — a difference of $10/month.
Which city has higher income, New Orleans or Pasadena?
Median household income is $55,339 in New Orleans and $64,270 in Pasadena. Median household income is $8,931/year higher in Pasadena.
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 Pasadena?
It depends on your priorities. New Orleans has a cost index of 90 with median rent of $1,211/mo, while Pasadena has a cost index of 76 with rent of $1,201/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View New Orleans details → View Pasadena details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for New Orleans and Pasadena

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