salaryNew Orleans is the largest city in Louisiana that we track, with 371,853 residents. Rent is lower than in 57% of U.S. cities. A typical house costs about 5.2 years of household income.
How much money do I need?
To rent here comfortably, you should earn about $60,320 a year. That is $29 an hour at a full-time job.
Is rent cheaper than other Louisiana cities?
No. Rent here is more expensive than in most of Louisiana. It is number 82 of 102 cities from cheapest to most expensive.
Compare New Orleans with other big cities
Compare New Orleans to 149 other cities →
How much do households earn in New Orleans?
Share of households by yearly income. 21.3% of households earn $100,000 or more.
Rent by apartment size in New Orleans
| Size | New Orleans | U.S. average |
|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,016 | $1,338 |
| 1 bedroom | $1,134 | $1,324 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,391 | $1,509 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,561 | $1,698 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,817 | $2,098 |
Median monthly rent plus utilities for all renters, by number of bedrooms.
How expensive is New Orleans overall?
Everyday prices in the New Orleans-Metairie metro area are 7% below the U.S. average (index 92.6, U.S. = 100).
Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities 2024.
Taxes and bills in New Orleans
Life in New Orleans
What jobs pay in New Orleans
| Job | Median pay | Rent / pay |
|---|---|---|
| Pharmacist | $128,100 | 14.1% |
| Nurse Practitioner | $124,800 | 14.5% |
| Physician Assistant | $124,580 | 14.5% |
| Lawyer | $121,290 | 14.9% |
| Civil Engineer | $108,240 | 16.7% |
| Software Developer | $106,950 | 16.9% |
| Operations Manager | $105,110 | 17.2% |
| Computer Systems Analyst | $97,240 | 18.6% |
| Dental Hygienist | $93,650 | 19.3% |
| Registered Nurse | $81,850 | 22.1% |
| Accountant | $77,940 | 23.2% |
| Market Research Analyst | $65,590 | 27.6% |
| HVAC Technician | $63,500 | 28.5% |
| Electrician | $62,490 | 29.0% |
| Plumber | $62,450 | 29.0% |
| Licensed Practical Nurse | $60,640 | 29.8% |
| Elementary School Teacher | $60,350 | 30.0% |
| Truck Driver | $51,540 | 35.1% |
| Carpenter | $50,130 | 36.1% |
| Police Officer | $48,970 | 37.0% |
| Customer Service Representative | $39,300 | 46.0% |
| Firefighter | $37,250 | 48.6% |
| Medical Assistant | $36,780 | 49.2% |
| Warehouse Worker | $36,380 | 49.7% |
| Nursing Assistant | $34,320 | 52.7% |
| Restaurant Cook | $30,520 | 59.3% |
| Retail Salesperson | $30,400 | 59.5% |
| Cashier | $28,370 | 63.8% |
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $16,640 | 108.7% |
Is it cheaper to rent or buy in New Orleans?
Renting is cheaper right now: about $683 a month less.
Owning assumes a typical $315,700 home, 10% down, a 30-year loan at 6.5% and about 1.5% a year for taxes and insurance. You would also need $31,570 for the down payment.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average rent in New Orleans, LA?
Renting in New Orleans costs a median of about $1,508 a month in 2026, including utilities. The Louisiana median is $1,165.
How much do I need to make to live in New Orleans?
To keep rent under 30% of income, you need about $60,320 a year, or $29 an hour at a full-time job.
Is New Orleans cheap or expensive?
New Orleans is rated OK: rent takes 29.6% of the typical household income of $61,077. It ranks 82nd cheapest of 102 Louisiana cities we track.
How much are property taxes in New Orleans?
The median homeowner in New Orleans pays $2,606 a year in property taxes, about 0.83% of the median home value.
Is New Orleans more expensive than the national average?
Overall prices in the metro area are 7% below the U.S. average, according to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
How much does a house cost in New Orleans?
The median home value in New Orleans is $315,700, about 5.2 times the typical yearly household income.
371,853 people live in New Orleans. Numbers are typical (middle) values.