Quick answer
Overall prices in the Austin, TX metro were 98.1 vs 92.6 in New Orleans, LA in 2024 (US = 100), so Austin is 5.9% more expensive than New Orleans; housing rents differ by 40% (120.4 vs 86.0). A $75,000 income in Austin buys about what $70,817 buys in New Orleans, per BEA.
Data as of 2024. Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities 2024
| Price index (US = 100) | Austin | New Orleans | Austin vs New Orleans |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items | 98.1 | 92.6 | +5.9% |
| Goods | 93.8 | 93.7 | +0.1% |
| Housing (rents) | 120.4 | 86.0 | +39.9% |
| Utilities | 82.0 | 71.2 | +15.2% |
| Other services | 96.2 | 95.7 | +0.6% |
| All items, 2008 | 99.6 | 98.2 | +1.4% |
| $50,000 in Austin equals in New Orleans | $47,212 | ||
| $100,000 in Austin equals in New Orleans | $94,423 | ||
| $150,000 in Austin equals in New Orleans | $141,635 |
Related
- Cost of living: Austin, TX vs Milwaukee, WI (2024)
- Cost of living: Minneapolis, MN vs Austin, TX (2024)
- Cost of living: Austin, TX vs Nashville, TN (2024)
- Cost of living: New York, NY vs Austin, TX (2024)
- Cost of living: Austin, TX vs Oklahoma City, OK (2024)
- Cost of living: Orlando, FL vs Austin, TX (2024)
- Cost of living: Philadelphia, PA vs Austin, TX (2024)
- Cost of living: Phoenix, AZ vs Austin, TX (2024)
Last updated 2026-10-16. Data only, not financial or tax advice.