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

New Orleans

Louisiana
90
VS

Richardson

Texas
128

New Orleans is 30% cheaper than Richardson.

$1,211/mo ↓ 34%
Median Rent
$1,825/mo ↑ 51%
$55,339/yr ↓ 43%
Median Income
$96,257/yr ↑ 74%
$296,400 ↓ 27%
Home Value
$405,600 ↑ 37%
$1,274/mo ↓ 29%
Owner Costs
$1,796/mo ↑ 41%
376,035
Population
118,269

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
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing New Orleans, LA and Richardson, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 90 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $614/month cheaper in New Orleans, saving renters about $7,368/year.

Median household income is $40,918/year higher in Richardson. Home values also differ significantly — the median in New Orleans is $296,400 compared to $405,600 in Richardson.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

New Orleans vs Richardson — common questions

Is New Orleans or Richardson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, New Orleans is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between New Orleans and Richardson?
Median rent in New Orleans is $1,211/month and in Richardson it's $1,825/month — a difference of $614/month.
Which city has higher income, New Orleans or Richardson?
Median household income is $55,339 in New Orleans and $96,257 in Richardson. Median household income is $40,918/year higher in Richardson.
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 Richardson?
It depends on your priorities. New Orleans has a cost index of 90 with median rent of $1,211/mo, while Richardson has a cost index of 128 with rent of $1,825/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View New Orleans details → View Richardson details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for New Orleans and Richardson

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