Quick answer
Overall prices in the Houston, TX metro were 98.6 vs 92.6 in New Orleans, LA in 2024 (US = 100), so Houston is 6.5% more expensive than New Orleans; housing rents differ by 22% (104.5 vs 86.0). A $75,000 income in Houston buys about what $70,413 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) | Houston | New Orleans | Houston vs New Orleans |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items | 98.6 | 92.6 | +6.5% |
| Goods | 100.6 | 93.7 | +7.4% |
| Housing (rents) | 104.5 | 86.0 | +21.5% |
| Utilities | 95.3 | 71.2 | +33.8% |
| Other services | 95.6 | 95.7 | -0.1% |
| All items, 2008 | 99.4 | 98.2 | +1.2% |
| $50,000 in Houston equals in New Orleans | $46,942 | ||
| $100,000 in Houston equals in New Orleans | $93,884 | ||
| $150,000 in Houston equals in New Orleans | $140,826 |
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Last updated 2026-10-16. Data only, not financial or tax advice.