New Orleans, Louisiana has an overall cost of living index of 93.7, which is 6.3 points below the US average of 100 — making it more affordable than most American cities. Renters pay a median of $1,211 per month, while the typical home is valued around $296,400. Households earn a median of $55,339 per year, leaving rent at a manageable share of income for many residents. Air quality is moderate, with an average AQI of 52. The figures below cover housing, local wages by occupation, demographics, and air quality, all drawn from the US Census Bureau, BEA, HUD, and EPA.
Median Household Income
$55,339
Annual · Census ACS
Median Gross Rent
$1,211
Per month · Census ACS
Median Home Value
$296,400
Census ACS
Cost of Living Index
93.7
BEA RPP · US avg = 100
Studio FMR
$964
HUD Fair Market Rent
1BR Fair Market Rent
$1,113
HUD FMR
2BR Fair Market Rent
$1,331
HUD FMR
3BR Fair Market Rent
$1,701
HUD FMR
HUD Fair Market Rent = 40th percentile gross rent · FY2024
Each category is indexed to the US average of 100. Below 100 = cheaper than average.
Overall
93.7
Goods
94.0
Rents / Housing
84.7
Services
83.7
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (metro-level)
State Income Tax
4.25%
Top marginal rate
State Sales Tax
4.45%
Statewide base rate (local add-ons may apply)
Source: Tax Foundation (2024)
| Occupation | Median Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| 💻Software Developer | $140,890 |
| 🏥Registered Nurse | $86,470 |
| 📚Elementary Teacher | $56,200 |
| ⚡Electrician | $58,920 |
| 📊Accountant | $78,660 |
Source: BLS OEWS 2023 (metro-level data)
Population
376,035
Latest estimate
Median Age
38.4 yrs
Census ACS
Average AQI
52.0
Source: EPA AirNow
What is the cost of living index for New Orleans?
New Orleans has a Regional Price Parity (RPP) index of 93.7. The US national average is 100, so New Orleans is 6.3 points below the national average.
What is the median rent in New Orleans?
The median gross rent in New Orleans is $1,211 per month according to US Census ACS data.
What is the median household income in New Orleans?
The median household income in New Orleans is $55,339 per year.
What is the median home value in New Orleans?
The median home value in New Orleans is $296,400 based on the latest Census ACS survey.
How is the air quality in New Orleans?
New Orleans has an average Air Quality Index (AQI) of 52.0, which is rated "Moderate" by the EPA. Lower AQI values indicate cleaner air.
What are the taxes like in New Orleans?
Louisiana has a top state income tax rate of 4.25% and a statewide sales tax of 4.45% (local rates may add to this). Source: Tax Foundation, 2024.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology