Median rent is 2% lower in Temple ($1,231/mo vs $1,251/mo). Buying is cheaper in Temple, where the median home runs $239,000 versus $315,700. Households earn more in Temple ($68,204 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 Temple, TX.
City A
New Orleans, LA
City B
Temple, TX
How much would you need to earn in Temple, TX to maintain your standard of living from New Orleans, LA?
Equivalent salary in Temple, TX
$75,223
You'd need $223 more (0% higher).
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
New Orleans
Louisiana
Temple
Texas
👥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: $1,251/mo in New Orleans and $1,231/mo in Temple. Home buyers face a steeper market in New Orleans: the median home is $315,700 versus $239,000 in Temple — 24% 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.
New Orleans
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
Temple
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
Air quality data is available for New Orleans (avg AQI 52.0) but not yet for Temple.
Pick Temple if you prioritize higher median household income ($68,204/yr).
Is New Orleans cheaper than Temple?
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 New Orleans vs Temple?
Median rent is $1,251/mo in New Orleans, LA and $1,231/mo in Temple, TX. Temple, TX has the lower rent by about 2%.
Which has higher salaries — New Orleans or Temple?
Median household income is $56,631 in New Orleans, LA and $68,204 in Temple, TX. Temple, 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 — New Orleans or Temple?
State tax data is not yet available for one or both cities.
What salary do I need in Temple to match my New Orleans income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in New Orleans, LA is equivalent to roughly $100,297 in Temple, TX (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
