Texas vs Louisiana: Travel Nurse Pay Comparison
Compare travel nurse pay, taxes, stipends, and cost of living between Texas and Louisiana. Based on our analysis, Texas offers better overall take-home pay.
Last updated: February 21, 2026
Our Recommendation
Texas
Offers approximately $130/week more in discretionary income
Higher Pay
TX
Better Taxes
TX
Lower COL
LA
Higher Stipends
LA
Best Net Income
TX
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Texas | Louisiana | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Hourly Rate | $46/hr | $43/hr | TX |
| Weekly Gross (incl. stipends) | $2,939 | $2,819 | TX |
| State Income Tax | None | 4.25% | TX |
| Est. Weekly Net Pay | $2,497 | $2,333 | TX |
| Cost of Living Index | 92.7 | 92.1 | LA |
| Average 1BR Rent | $1,100/mo | $950/mo | LA |
| Weekly Housing Stipend (GSA) | $686 | $686 | LA |
| Compact License State | Yes | Yes | — |
| Est. Weekly Discretionary Income | $2,243 | $2,114 | TX |
Texas Overview
Pay: Texas offers $46/hr average with $2,939/week gross including stipends.
Taxes: No state income tax, making it tax-friendly.
Cost of Living: Index of 92.7 with average rent of $1,100/mo.
Licensing: Compact state (eNLC), $200 fee, 2-4 weeks.
Louisiana Overview
Pay: Louisiana offers $43/hr average with $2,819/week gross including stipends.
Taxes: 4.25% state income tax, making it tax-friendly.
Cost of Living: Index of 92.1 with average rent of $950/mo.
Licensing: Compact state (eNLC), $200 fee, 2-4 weeks.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which state pays travel nurses more: Texas or Louisiana?
Texas offers higher gross pay at $46/hr compared to $43/hr. However, Texas provides better take-home pay after taxes and cost of living adjustments.
Is Texas or Louisiana better for travel nurse taxes?
Texas is more tax-friendly with no state income tax. Louisiana has a 4.25% state tax.
What is the cost of living difference between Texas and Louisiana?
Texas has a COL index of 92.7 while Louisiana is 92.1. Average 1BR rent: Texas $1100/mo vs Louisiana $950/mo. Louisiana is more affordable overall.
Which state has higher GSA stipend rates?
Louisiana offers higher tax-free stipends at $1,099/week compared to $1,099/week in Texas.
Should I take a travel nurse assignment in Texas or Louisiana?
Based on our analysis, Texas offers approximately $130 more in weekly discretionary income after housing. However, consider factors like licensing (Texas is compact, Louisiana is compact), job availability, and personal preferences.