Median rent is 27% lower in New Orleans ($1,211/mo vs $1,655/mo). Buying is cheaper in New Orleans, where the median home runs $296,400 versus $512,700. Households earn more in Austin ($91,461 vs $55,339 a year). Taken together, New Orleans is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 93.7 against 98.8 — about 5% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Austin, TX.
Quick verdict
New Orleans is 5% cheaper overall
Cost index: 93.7 in New Orleans vs 98.8 in Austin (US average = 100)
City A
Austin, TX
City B
New Orleans, LA
How much would you need to earn in New Orleans, LA to maintain your standard of living from Austin, TX?
Equivalent salary in New Orleans, LA
$71,150
You could earn $3,850 less (5% lower) and break even.
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each city's metro area. A rough estimate of overall purchasing power, not tax or take-home pay.
Metric
Austin
Texas
New Orleans
Louisiana
👥Population
💰Median Household Income
Annual
🏠Median Gross Rent
Per month
🏡Median Home Value
📊Cost of Living Index
US avg = 100
🔑1BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑2BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑3BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🌬️Air Quality Index
Lower = cleaner
🏛️Top State Income Tax
Top marginal rate
🧾State Sales Tax
Statewide base rate
🎂Median Age
Years
✓ = better value · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Renters will find significantly cheaper housing in New Orleans — median rent of $1,211/mo versus $1,655/mo in Austin, a 27% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Austin: the median home is $512,700 versus $296,400 in New Orleans — 42% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Texas has no state income tax, while Louisiana tops out at 4.25% — giving Austin a clear advantage for high earners. Sales tax is 6.25% in Texas and 4.45% in Louisiana; New Orleans has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Austin
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.25%
New Orleans
Income tax: 4.25%
Sales tax: 4.45%
Austin has cleaner air on average: 47.0 AQI (Good) compared to 52.0 AQI (Moderate) in the other city. Lower AQI means cleaner, healthier air.
Pick New Orleans if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 93.7 vs 98.8).
Pick Austin if you prioritize higher median household income ($91,461/yr).
Pick New Orleans if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,211/mo median).
Pick Austin if you prioritize no state income tax.
Is Austin cheaper than New Orleans?
New Orleans is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 93.7 versus 98.8 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 5% lower in New Orleans.
How much is rent in Austin vs New Orleans?
Median rent is $1,655/mo in Austin, TX and $1,211/mo in New Orleans, LA. New Orleans, LA has the lower rent by about 27%.
Which has higher salaries — Austin or New Orleans?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin, TX and $55,339 in New Orleans, LA. Austin, TX has the higher median income. Note that BLS occupational wages in the table above show wages for specific jobs.
Which city has better air quality?
Austin, TX has better air quality on average: 47.0 AQI versus 52.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Austin or New Orleans?
Texas has no state income tax. Louisiana has a top rate of 4.25%.
What salary do I need in New Orleans to match my Austin income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Austin, TX is equivalent to roughly $94,867 in New Orleans, LA (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology