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

New Orleans

Louisiana
90
VS

The Woodlands

Texas
139

New Orleans is 35% cheaper than The Woodlands.

$1,211/mo ↓ 32%
Median Rent
$1,792/mo ↑ 48%
$55,339/yr ↓ 61%
Median Income
$141,353/yr ↑ 155%
$296,400 ↓ 38%
Home Value
$479,400 ↑ 62%
$1,274/mo ↓ 36%
Owner Costs
$2,005/mo ↑ 57%
376,035
Population
116,916

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
15.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing New Orleans, LA and The Woodlands, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 90 and 139 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $581/month cheaper in New Orleans, saving renters about $6,972/year.

Median household income is $86,014/year higher in The Woodlands. Home values also differ significantly — the median in New Orleans is $296,400 compared to $479,400 in The Woodlands.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

New Orleans vs The Woodlands — common questions

Is New Orleans or The Woodlands cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, New Orleans is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 139 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between New Orleans and The Woodlands?
Median rent in New Orleans is $1,211/month and in The Woodlands it's $1,792/month — a difference of $581/month.
Which city has higher income, New Orleans or The Woodlands?
Median household income is $55,339 in New Orleans and $141,353 in The Woodlands. Median household income is $86,014/year higher in The Woodlands.
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 The Woodlands?
It depends on your priorities. New Orleans has a cost index of 90 with median rent of $1,211/mo, while The Woodlands has a cost index of 139 with rent of $1,792/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View New Orleans details → View The Woodlands details →

More Comparisons

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