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

New Orleans

Louisiana
90
VS

Waco

Texas
72

New Orleans is 25% more expensive than Waco.

$1,211/mo ↑ 10%
Median Rent
$1,098/mo ↓ 9%
$55,339/yr ↑ 8%
Median Income
$51,468/yr ↓ 7%
$296,400 ↑ 48%
Home Value
$199,600 ↓ 33%
$1,274/mo ↑ 16%
Owner Costs
$1,094/mo ↓ 14%
376,035
Population
141,925

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
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing New Orleans, LA and Waco, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 90 and 72 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $113/month cheaper in Waco, saving renters about $1,356/year.

Median household income is $3,871/year higher in New Orleans. Home values also differ significantly — the median in New Orleans is $296,400 compared to $199,600 in Waco.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

New Orleans vs Waco — common questions

Is New Orleans or Waco cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Waco is cheaper to live in with an index of 72 compared to 90 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between New Orleans and Waco?
Median rent in New Orleans is $1,211/month and in Waco it's $1,098/month — a difference of $113/month.
Which city has higher income, New Orleans or Waco?
Median household income is $55,339 in New Orleans and $51,468 in Waco. Median household income is $3,871/year higher in New Orleans.
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 Waco?
It depends on your priorities. New Orleans has a cost index of 90 with median rent of $1,211/mo, while Waco has a cost index of 72 with rent of $1,098/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for New Orleans and Waco

New Orleans vs. Aurora New Orleans vs. Cleveland New Orleans vs. Tampa New Orleans vs. Honolulu New Orleans vs. Arlington New Orleans vs. Anaheim Waco vs. Visalia Waco vs. Fullerton Waco vs. Thornton Waco vs. Metairie Waco vs. Torrance Waco vs. Orange