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 more gross discretionary income after rent.
Last updated: October 14, 2026
Our Recommendation
Texas
Offers approximately $113/week more in gross discretionary income (before state tax)
Higher Pay
TX
Better Taxes
TX
Lower COL
LA
Higher Stipends
TX
Best Discretionary Income
TX
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Texas | Louisiana | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Hourly Rate | $46/hr | $43/hr | TX |
| Weekly Gross (incl. stipends) | $3,744 | $3,596 | TX |
| State Income Tax | None | Applies | TX |
| Cost of Living Index | 92.7 | 92.1 | LA |
| Average 1BR Rent | $1,100/mo | $950/mo | LA |
| Weekly Housing Stipend (GSA) | $1,344 | $1,316 | TX |
| Compact License State | Yes | Yes | — |
| Est. Weekly Discretionary Income (gross, pre-tax) | $3,490 | $3,377 | TX |
Texas Overview
Pay: Texas offers $46/hr average with $3,744/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 $3,596/week gross including stipends.
Taxes: State income tax applies, 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 offers more gross discretionary income once rent is factored in — run both through the tax calculator for your actual after-tax comparison.
Is Texas or Louisiana better for travel nurse taxes?
Texas is more tax-friendly — it has no state income tax, while Louisiana does levy one (we don't publish a specific rate; check its official tax tables or your own known rate in the calculator).
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?
Texas offers higher tax-free stipends at $1,904/week compared to $1,876/week in Louisiana.
Should I take a travel nurse assignment in Texas or Louisiana?
Based on our analysis, Texas offers approximately $113 more in weekly gross discretionary income after housing (before state tax). However, consider factors like licensing (Texas is compact, Louisiana is compact), job availability, and personal preferences.