Median rent is 3% lower in Killeen ($1,208/mo vs $1,251/mo). Buying is cheaper in Killeen, where the median home runs $215,400 versus $315,700. Households earn more in Killeen ($60,977 vs $56,631 a year). Taken together, New Orleans is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 91.2 against 91.5 — about 0% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Killeen, TX.
City A
Killeen, TX
City B
New Orleans, LA
How much would you need to earn in New Orleans, LA to maintain your standard of living from Killeen, TX?
Equivalent salary in New Orleans, LA
$74,778
You could earn $222 less (0% 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
Killeen
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
Median rents are similar in both cities: $1,208/mo in Killeen and $1,251/mo in New Orleans. Home buyers face a steeper market in New Orleans: the median home is $315,700 versus $215,400 in Killeen — 32% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
State tax data is not yet available for these cities.
Killeen
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
New Orleans
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
Air quality data is available for New Orleans (avg AQI 52.0) but not yet for Killeen.
Pick Killeen if you prioritize higher median household income ($60,977/yr).
Is Killeen cheaper than New Orleans?
New Orleans is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 91.2 versus 91.5 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 0% lower in New Orleans.
How much is rent in Killeen vs New Orleans?
Median rent is $1,208/mo in Killeen, TX and $1,251/mo in New Orleans, LA. Killeen, TX has the lower rent by about 3%.
Which has higher salaries — Killeen or New Orleans?
Median household income is $60,977 in Killeen, TX and $56,631 in New Orleans, LA. Killeen, 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?
Air quality data is not yet available for one or both cities.
Which has lower taxes — Killeen or New Orleans?
State tax data is not yet available for one or both cities.
What salary do I need in New Orleans to match my Killeen income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Killeen, TX is equivalent to roughly $99,704 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, 2026 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology
