Home › Compare › Fort Worth, TX vs New Orleans, LA

Cost of Living: Fort Worth, 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.

3.2% New Orleans, LA is more expensive overall
13.3% 13.3% more expensive housing
5.3% 5.3% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 13.3% more
Fort Worth
90
New Orleans
102
🛒 Groceries 5.3% more
Fort Worth
95
New Orleans
100
🚗 Transportation ~Same
Fort Worth
98
New Orleans
100
🏥 Healthcare ~Same
Fort Worth
96
New Orleans
96
⚡ Utilities ~Same
Fort Worth
103
New Orleans
104

Detailed Breakdown

Category Fort Worth, TX New Orleans, LA Difference
Overall Cost Index95983.2% more
Housing9010213.3% more
Median 1BR Rent$1,250$1,250~Same
Median Home Price$300,000$270,00010.0% less
Groceries951005.3% more
Transportation98100~Same
Healthcare9696~Same
Utilities103104~Same

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Fort Worth, 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

Fort Worth, TX
$68,000
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 Fort Worth lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Fort Worth (95) vs New Orleans (98). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Fort Worth3.9%
New Orleans4.8%
Job Growth (YoY)
Fort Worth3.0%
New Orleans2.0%
Top Industries
Fort WorthAerospace, Logistics, Manufacturing
New OrleansTourism, Energy, Port/Shipping

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Fort Worth27 min
New Orleans26 min
Walk Score
Fort Worth32
New Orleans57
Air Quality (AQI)
Fort Worth47
New Orleans42
Avg Temperature
Fort Worth65°F
New Orleans69°F
Population
Fort Worth978,468
New Orleans383,997

Moving from Fort Worth to New Orleans?

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Fort Worth 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

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Fort Worth or New Orleans cheaper to live in?+
Fort Worth is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 13.3%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Fort Worth vs New Orleans?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,250/month in Fort Worth and $1,250/month in New Orleans — a difference of about $0 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Fort Worth 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 Fort Worth to New Orleans?+
Median household income in Fort Worth is $68,000 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 Fort Worth vs New Orleans?+
The median home price in Fort Worth is $300,000 versus $270,000 in New Orleans — a difference of $30,000. Property tax rates also differ: Texas averages 1.60% while Louisiana averages 0.55%.