Cost of Living in New Orleans, LA
Population 376,035 · Louisiana · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
The New Orleans cost-of-living profile is closer to the US median than most headline-grabbing metros — typical homes around $296,000, rents near $1,211 a month. A poverty rate near 23% adds context to the income figures — well above the US average, and worth factoring into any comparison with cities on the coasts or in the Rockies.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in New Orleans
The median home value in New Orleans is $296,400 — 3% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,211/month, 8% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $55,339/year is 26% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 7.8%, above the national average of 4.8%. Louisiana's top state income tax rate is 4.3% and the combined sales tax is 9.5%. The climate averages highs of 77.5°F and lows of 64.2°F. Overall, New Orleans has a cost of living index of 95 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 5% less expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 61 | 65 | 71 | 78 | 85 | 89 | 91 | 91 | 87 | 79 | 70 | 63 |
| Low °F | 47 | 51 | 57 | 63 | 71 | 76 | 78 | 79 | 76 | 67 | 56 | 50 |
| Precip" | 5.26 | 4.08 | 4.63 | 5.87 | 4.94 | 6.04 | 6.29 | 6.46 | 4.64 | 3.64 | 3.64 | 4.63 |
| Snow" | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.1 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in New Orleans, LA?
New Orleans has a cost index of 95 (100 = national average). It is 5% below the national average.
What is average rent in New Orleans, LA?
The median gross rent in New Orleans is $1,211 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in New Orleans?
The median home value in New Orleans is $296,400 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in New Orleans?
The median household income in New Orleans is $55,339 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in New Orleans, LA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in New Orleans is 9.5%. The Louisiana state income tax top rate is 4.3%.
Is New Orleans, LA affordable?
New Orleans is near the national average in terms of cost of living, with an index of 95 (100 = US average).
What is the weather like in New Orleans?
New Orleans has average high temperatures of 77.5°F and average lows of 64.2°F. Annual precipitation is 60.1". Average annual snowfall is 0.1". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
New Orleans at a Glance
- Population
- 376,035
- Median Income
- $55,339
- Home Value
- $296,400
- Median Rent
- $1,211/mo
- Unemployment
- 7.8%
- Avg High Temp
- 77.5°F
- Sales Tax
- 9.5%
Compare New Orleans
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Louisiana Rankings
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