Cost of Living in New Orleans, LA

Population: 376,035 • 2026 Data

$55,339
Median Household Income
-28% vs national
$1,211
Median Monthly Rent
-10% vs national
$296,400
Median Home Value
-13% vs national
7.8%
Unemployment Rate

Housing in New Orleans

The median home value in New Orleans, LA is $296,400. Monthly rent for a typical unit averages $1,211, while total monthly housing costs (including utilities and insurance) average $1,274.

Rent-to-income ratio: 26.3%. This is within the recommended 30% threshold, suggesting housing is relatively affordable for median-income earners.

Income and Employment

The median household income in New Orleans, LA is $55,339. The unemployment rate stands at 7.8%, with a labor force of 190,228 people.

Compare New Orleans With Other Cities

New Orleans vs New York, NY → New Orleans vs Los Angeles, CA → New Orleans vs Chicago, IL → New Orleans vs Houston, TX → New Orleans vs Phoenix, AZ → New Orleans vs Philadelphia, PA → New Orleans vs San Antonio, TX → New Orleans vs San Diego, CA → New Orleans vs Dallas, TX → New Orleans vs San Jose, CA → New Orleans vs Austin, TX → New Orleans vs Jacksonville, FL →

Other Cities in Louisiana

Baton Rouge, LA → Shreveport, LA → Metairie, LA → Lafayette, LA → Lake Charles, LA → Kenner, LA → Bossier City, LA → Monroe, LA →

Data Sources

All data from the US Census Bureau American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. National median figures used for comparison context.

Verify at data.census.gov