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

New Orleans

Louisiana
90
VS

Sugar Land

Texas
135

New Orleans is 33% cheaper than Sugar Land.

$1,211/mo ↓ 38%
Median Rent
$1,939/mo ↑ 60%
$55,339/yr ↓ 60%
Median Income
$137,511/yr ↑ 148%
$296,400 ↓ 27%
Home Value
$406,600 ↑ 37%
$1,274/mo ↓ 35%
Owner Costs
$1,969/mo ↑ 55%
376,035
Population
109,735

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
16.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing New Orleans, LA and Sugar Land, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 90 and 135 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $728/month cheaper in New Orleans, saving renters about $8,736/year.

Median household income is $82,172/year higher in Sugar Land. Home values also differ significantly — the median in New Orleans is $296,400 compared to $406,600 in Sugar Land.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

New Orleans vs Sugar Land — common questions

Is New Orleans or Sugar Land cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, New Orleans is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 135 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between New Orleans and Sugar Land?
Median rent in New Orleans is $1,211/month and in Sugar Land it's $1,939/month — a difference of $728/month.
Which city has higher income, New Orleans or Sugar Land?
Median household income is $55,339 in New Orleans and $137,511 in Sugar Land. Median household income is $82,172/year higher in Sugar Land.
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 Sugar Land?
It depends on your priorities. New Orleans has a cost index of 90 with median rent of $1,211/mo, while Sugar Land has a cost index of 135 with rent of $1,939/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View New Orleans details → View Sugar Land details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for New Orleans and Sugar Land

New Orleans vs. Aurora New Orleans vs. Cleveland New Orleans vs. Tampa New Orleans vs. Honolulu New Orleans vs. Arlington New Orleans vs. Anaheim Sugar Land vs. Santa Maria Sugar Land vs. Greeley Sugar Land vs. Ventura Sugar Land vs. South Fulton Sugar Land vs. Temecula Sugar Land vs. Sparks