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Cost of Living: Austin, TX vs New Orleans, LA

A data-driven comparison of housing, groceries, transportation, taxes, job market and more. See which city gives you more for your money.

4.9% New Orleans, LA is cheaper overall
13.6% 13.6% cheaper housing
4.2% 4.2% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 13.6% cheaper
Austin
118
New Orleans
102
🛒 Groceries 4.2% more
Austin
96
New Orleans
100
🚗 Transportation ~Same
Austin
98
New Orleans
100
🏥 Healthcare ~Same
Austin
97
New Orleans
96
⚡ Utilities 5.1% more
Austin
99
New Orleans
104

Detailed Breakdown

Category Austin, TX New Orleans, LA Difference
Overall Cost Index103984.9% less
Housing11810213.6% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,450$1,25013.8% less
Median Home Price$425,000$270,00036.5% less
Groceries961004.2% more
Transportation98100~Same
Healthcare9796~Same
Utilities991045.1% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Austin, TX New Orleans, LA
State Income TaxNone (0%)4.25%
State Sales Tax6.25%4.45%
Avg Property Tax Rate1.60%0.55%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Austin, TX
$85,000
Median household income
New Orleans, LA
$52,000
Median household income
⚠️ Heads up: New Orleans costs more but median income is lower. You may need to earn more to maintain the same standard of living.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

Find out what you'd need to earn in New Orleans to maintain your Austin lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Austin (103) vs New Orleans (98). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Austin3.2%
New Orleans4.8%
Job Growth (YoY)
Austin4.1%
New Orleans2.0%
Top Industries
AustinTech, Government, Healthcare
New OrleansTourism, Energy, Port/Shipping

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Austin28 min
New Orleans26 min
Walk Score
Austin41
New Orleans57
Air Quality (AQI)
Austin38
New Orleans42
Avg Temperature
Austin68°F
New Orleans69°F
Population
Austin979,882
New Orleans383,997

Moving from Austin to New Orleans?

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Planning Your Move?

Here are some helpful resources if you're considering relocating.

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Austin and New Orleans → 🚚 Get Moving QuotesCompare prices from top movers → 📈 Check Home ValuesSee real estate trends in both cities → 💼 Search JobsFind open positions in New Orleans →

Compare Other Cities

Austin vs Denver → Austin vs Nashville → Austin vs Raleigh → New Orleans vs Portland → New Orleans vs Phoenix → New Orleans vs Chicago →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Austin or New Orleans cheaper to live in?+
New Orleans is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 13.6%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Austin vs New Orleans?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,450/month in Austin and $1,250/month in New Orleans — a difference of about $200 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Austin or New Orleans?+
Texas has a state income tax of None (0%) and sales tax of 6.25%. Louisiana has a state income tax of 4.25% and sales tax of 4.45%. Consider all tax types together when evaluating total tax burden, as states with no income tax often compensate with higher sales or property taxes.
Can I afford to move from Austin to New Orleans?+
Median household income in Austin is $85,000 compared to $52,000 in New Orleans. Use the salary calculator above to see what you'd need to earn to maintain your current standard of living.
What about buying a home in Austin vs New Orleans?+
The median home price in Austin is $425,000 versus $270,000 in New Orleans — a difference of $155,000. Property tax rates also differ: Texas averages 1.60% while Louisiana averages 0.55%.