New Orleans, Louisiana has an overall cost of living index of 91.2, which is 8.8 points below the US average of 100 — making it more affordable than most American cities. Renters pay a median of $1,251 per month, while the typical home is valued around $315,700. Households earn a median of $56,631 per year, leaving rent at a manageable share of income for many residents. Air quality is moderate, with an average AQI of 52. Below: housing costs, local wages by occupation, neighborhoods, climate, jobs and major industries, and healthcare access — all drawn from US Census, BEA, BLS, HUD, EPA, and NOAA data.
Median Household Income
$56,631
Annual · Census ACS
Median Gross Rent
$1,251
Per month · Census ACS
Median Home Value
$315,700
Census ACS
Cost of Living Index
91.2
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
91.2
Goods
93.0
Rents / Housing
77.8
Services
77.6
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (metro-level)
| Occupation | Median Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| 💻Software Developer | $133,450 |
| 🏥Registered Nurse | $89,700 |
| 📚Elementary Teacher | $56,050 |
| ⚡Electrician | $61,160 |
| 📊Accountant | $83,360 |
| 🔧Plumber | $62,180 |
| ⚕️Nurse Practitioner | $306,320 |
| 🏗️Civil Engineer | $108,160 |
| 👔Operations Manager | $130,890 |
| 📈Market Research Analyst | $70,630 |
| 🏢Health Services Manager | $115,900 |
| 🚛Truck Driver | $54,010 |
| 👨⚕️Physician Assistant | N/A |
| 🩺Surgeon | N/A |
| 🧮Data Scientist | N/A |
| 🖥️Computer Engineer | $134,390 |
Source: BLS OEWS 2023 (metro-level data)
Population
371,853
Latest estimate
Median Age
38.8 yrs
Census ACS
Average AQI
52.0
Source: EPA AirNow
Total Neighborhoods
5
Tracked in our database
Avg Walk Score
51
0–100 scale
Avg Median Rent
$1,197
Per month
Avg Home Value
$274,740
Census ACS
January Avg
54°F
July Avg
84°F
Sunny Days / Year
—
Annual Snowfall
—
Climate category: Subtropical · Source: NOAA/NCEI 30-year normals.
Healthcare Score
31.0
poor
Hospitals
10
Doctors per 1,000
1.00
Insurance Coverage
91.9%
What is the cost of living index for New Orleans?
New Orleans has a Regional Price Parity (RPP) index of 91.2. The US national average is 100, so New Orleans is 8.8 points below the national average.
What is the median rent in New Orleans?
The median gross rent in New Orleans is $1,251 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 $56,631 per year.
What is the median home value in New Orleans?
The median home value in New Orleans is $315,700 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?
Tax data for Louisiana is not yet available.
Data last updated: December 1, 2026 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology
