Is San Antonio, TX cheaper than New Orleans, LA?

Based on cost of living data, San Antonio, TX is 5.2% cheaper than New Orleans, LA. This translates to saving $391 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in New Orleans, LA, you'd need approximately $145,312.5 in San Antonio, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in San Antonio, TX is 12.2% cheaper than in New Orleans, LA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,470/month in San Antonio, TX compared to $1,375/month in New Orleans, LA.

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

Moving from New Orleans, LA to San Antonio, TX could save you approximately $391 per month, or $4688 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

New Orleans, LA vs San Antonio, TX: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in New Orleans, LA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $391/month moving to San Antonio, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $145.3K in San Antonio, TX

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

Overall Cost

↓ 5.2%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$391

Savings

Annual Impact

$4.7K

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

San Antonio, TX

Population:1547K

Cost Index:95

Median Home:$215K

New Orleans, LA

The Pelican State

384K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

San Antonio, TX

The Lone Star State

1.5M

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Located in Texas, this city has a population of 1.5M residents.

💡 Advantage: Texas has no state income tax!

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: New Orleans, LA vs San Antonio, TX

Category	New Orleans, LA	San Antonio, TX	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,391/mo	$2,100/mo	↓ $291less	12.2%
📦Other	$1,892/mo	$1,647/mo	↓ $244less	12.9%
🛒Groceries	$969/mo	$913/mo	↓ $55.96less	5.8%
🏥Healthcare	$471/mo	$527/mo	↑ $55.76more	11.8%
🚗Transportation	$1,243/mo	$1,287/mo	↑ $43.71more	3.5%
⚡All Utilities	$486/mo	$496/mo	↑ $9.29more	1.9%

🏠Housing

↓ 12.2%

New Orleans, LA

$2,391

San Antonio, TX

$2,100

Difference

$291

less

📦Other

↓ 12.9%

New Orleans, LA

$1,892

San Antonio, TX

$1,647

Difference

$244

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 5.8%

New Orleans, LA

$969

San Antonio, TX

$913

Difference

$55.96

less

🏥Healthcare

↑ 11.8%

New Orleans, LA

$471

San Antonio, TX

$527

Difference

$55.76

🚗Transportation

↑ 3.5%

New Orleans, LA

$1,243

San Antonio, TX

$1,287

Difference

$43.71

⚡All Utilities

↑ 1.9%

New Orleans, LA

$486

San Antonio, TX

$496

Difference

$9.29

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,010

To$1,110

↑ $100

1 Bed

From$1,145

To$1,210

↑ $65.00

2 Bed

From$1,375

To$1,470

↑ $95.00

3 Bed

From$1,745

To$1,890

↑ $145

New Orleans, LAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,120–$1,680/mo

San Antonio, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $840–$1,770/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

$6,969

Monthly in San Antonio, TX

$483

Difference

Home Values

New Orleans

San Antonio

$223K

Median Value

$215K

↓ -3.5%

YoY Change

↓ -2.9%

↓ -7.8%

5-Year Change

↑ +16.7%

$146K - $508K

Price Range

$107K - $905K

Homes in San Antonio are 4% less expensive than New Orleans

Calculate payment - New Orleans Calculate payment - San Antonio

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

San Antonio, 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%

San Antonio, 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.