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

New Orleans

Louisiana
90
VS

Plano

Texas
132

New Orleans is 32% cheaper than Plano.

$1,211/mo ↓ 32%
Median Rent
$1,792/mo ↑ 48%
$55,339/yr ↓ 49%
Median Income
$108,649/yr ↑ 96%
$296,400 ↓ 33%
Home Value
$440,600 ↑ 49%
$1,274/mo ↓ 30%
Owner Costs
$1,829/mo ↑ 44%
376,035
Population
287,339

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
19.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing New Orleans, LA and Plano, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 90 and 132 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $581/month cheaper in New Orleans, saving renters about $6,972/year.

Median household income is $53,310/year higher in Plano. Home values also differ significantly — the median in New Orleans is $296,400 compared to $440,600 in Plano.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

New Orleans vs Plano — common questions

Is New Orleans or Plano cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, New Orleans is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 132 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between New Orleans and Plano?
Median rent in New Orleans is $1,211/month and in Plano it's $1,792/month — a difference of $581/month.
Which city has higher income, New Orleans or Plano?
Median household income is $55,339 in New Orleans and $108,649 in Plano. Median household income is $53,310/year higher in Plano.
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 Plano?
It depends on your priorities. New Orleans has a cost index of 90 with median rent of $1,211/mo, while Plano has a cost index of 132 with rent of $1,792/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View New Orleans details → View Plano details →

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