Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
11% cheaper
New Orleans is 11% more affordable than Plano. A $75,000 salary in Plano is equivalent to $66,743 in New Orleans.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Louisiana salaries · Texas salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. New Orleans has a housing index of 95 while Plano sits at 123 (national average = 100). The median home in New Orleans costs $245,000 compared to $400,000 in Plano, a difference of $155,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,200 in New Orleans versus $1,700 in Plano.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: New Orleans scores 99 while Plano scores 98. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in New Orleans (94) are lower than Plano (100). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in New Orleans is $43,258 compared to $96,348 in Plano. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in New Orleans.
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