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

New Orleans

Louisiana
90
VS

Pearland

Texas
121

New Orleans is 26% cheaper than Pearland.

$1,211/mo ↓ 31%
Median Rent
$1,759/mo ↑ 45%
$55,339/yr ↓ 51%
Median Income
$112,470/yr ↑ 103%
$296,400 ↓ 10%
Home Value
$330,900 ↑ 12%
$1,274/mo ↓ 35%
Owner Costs
$1,962/mo ↑ 54%
376,035
Population
125,983

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
18.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing New Orleans, LA and Pearland, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 90 and 121 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $548/month cheaper in New Orleans, saving renters about $6,576/year.

Median household income is $57,131/year higher in Pearland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in New Orleans is $296,400 compared to $330,900 in Pearland.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

New Orleans vs Pearland — common questions

Is New Orleans or Pearland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, New Orleans is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 121 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between New Orleans and Pearland?
Median rent in New Orleans is $1,211/month and in Pearland it's $1,759/month — a difference of $548/month.
Which city has higher income, New Orleans or Pearland?
Median household income is $55,339 in New Orleans and $112,470 in Pearland. Median household income is $57,131/year higher in Pearland.
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 Pearland?
It depends on your priorities. New Orleans has a cost index of 90 with median rent of $1,211/mo, while Pearland has a cost index of 121 with rent of $1,759/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View New Orleans details → View Pearland details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for New Orleans and Pearland

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