Is Austin, TX cheaper than New Orleans, LA?

Based on cost of living data, Austin, TX is 7.3% more expensive than New Orleans, LA. This translates to spending an extra $547 per month.

What salary do I need in Austin, TX to live like I do in New Orleans, LA?

If you earn $150,000 in New Orleans, LA, you'd need approximately $156,562.5 in Austin, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between New Orleans, LA and Austin, TX?

Housing in Austin, TX is 20.7% more expensive than in New Orleans, LA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,995/month in Austin, TX compared to $1,375/month in New Orleans, LA.

How much can I save per month by moving from New Orleans, LA to Austin, TX?

Living in Austin, TX costs approximately $547 more per month than New Orleans, LA, or $6563 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

New Orleans vs Austin: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Jazz funerals to tech unicorns? These quirky Southern cities both celebrate music and food, but their economic foundations create different cost rhythms.

Current salary in New Orleans, LA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $547/month more in Austin, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $156.6K in Austin, TX

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from New Orleans-Metairie, LA area

Overall Cost

↑ 7.3%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$547

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$6.6K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

New Orleans, LA

Population:384K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$223K

Austin, TX

Population:979K

Cost Index:107

Median Home:$558K

New Orleans, LA

The Pelican State

384K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Louisiana, this city has a population of 384K residents.

Austin, TX

The Lone Star State

979K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Live music capital
•Major tech hub
•SXSW festival city

Major Industries

TechnologyMusic IndustryEducationGovernment

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: New Orleans, LA vs Austin, TX

Category	New Orleans, LA	Austin, TX	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,391/mo	$2,885/mo	↑ $494more	20.7%
📦Other	$1,892/mo	$1,741/mo	↓ $151less	8.0%
🏥Healthcare	$471/mo	$589/mo	↑ $118more	25.0%
⚡All Utilities	$486/mo	$541/mo	↑ $54.64more	11.2%
🚗Transportation	$1,243/mo	$1,284/mo	↑ $40.98more	3.3%
🛒Groceries	$969/mo	$959/mo	↓ $9.99less	1.0%

🏠Housing

↑ 20.7%

New Orleans, LA

$2,391

Austin, TX

$2,885

Difference

$494

📦Other

↓ 8.0%

New Orleans, LA

$1,892

Austin, TX

$1,741

Difference

$151

less

🏥Healthcare

↑ 25.0%

New Orleans, LA

$471

Austin, TX

$589

Difference

$118

⚡All Utilities

↑ 11.2%

New Orleans, LA

$486

Austin, TX

$541

Difference

$54.64

🚗Transportation

↑ 3.3%

New Orleans, LA

$1,243

Austin, TX

$1,284

Difference

$40.98

🛒Groceries

↓ 1.0%

New Orleans, LA

$969

Austin, TX

$959

Difference

$9.99

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,010

To$1,585

↑ $575

1 Bed

From$1,145

To$1,685

↑ $540

2 Bed

From$1,375

To$1,995

↑ $620

3 Bed

From$1,745

To$2,525

↑ $780

New Orleans, LAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,120–$1,680/mo

Austin, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,490–$2,350/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$7,452

Monthly in New Orleans, LA

$7,998

Monthly in Austin, TX

$546

Difference

Home Values

New Orleans

Austin

$223K

Median Value

$558K

↓ -3.5%

YoY Change

↓ -5%

↓ -7.8%

5-Year Change

↑ +12.6%

$146K - $508K

Price Range

$272K - $1.26M

Homes in Austin are 150% more expensive than New Orleans

Calculate payment - New Orleans Calculate payment - Austin

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $7.8K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$646

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

5.2%

Rate difference

New Orleans, LA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Louisiana State Tax

Effective: 5.2%

$7.8K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.8%

$44.8K

Take-Home Pay

$8,770/month

$105.2K

Austin, TX

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Texas State Tax

No state income tax

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 24.7%

$37.0K

Take-Home Pay

$9,416/month

$113.0K

Additional Tax Information

New Orleans, LA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:9.6%

Property Tax:0.5%

Austin, TX Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%

Property Tax:1.8%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.