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Cost of Living in
New Orleans
Rank #44
To compile our rankings, we analyzed the factors associated with living costs like housing, transportation, groceries, utilities, and healthcare.
Living cost is 12.2% higher than avg
Families spend upto $9,758/mo on avg
Homeowners spend $9,564/mo on avg
Renters spend $5,302/mo on avg
Cost of Living in
New Orleans
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New Orleans, LA is the #44 Most Expensive City in the U.S.
U.S. Avg.
New Orleans, LA
Difference Diff
Home Price
$532,491
$847,435
59% Apartment Rent (per month)
$1,367
$2,063
51% U.S. Avg.
New Orleans, LA
Difference Diff
Phone (per month)
$219.4
$198.67
9% Total Energy (per month)
$200.23
$119.44
40% U.S. Avg.
New Orleans, LA
Difference Diff
Grocery Staples
Corn Flakes (per box)
$6.79
$4.98
27% Frozen Corn (per bag)
$2.41
$2.26
6% Frozen Meal (per package)
$4.85
$4.09
16% Cooking Oil (per bottle)
$6.16
$8.85
44% Detergent (per bottle)
$19.51
$20.31
4% Facial Tissues (per box)
$2.85
$2.24
21% Sweet Peas (per can)
$1.83
$1.77
3% Sugar (per bag)
$4.66
$5.28
13% Bread (per loaf)
$3.87
$3.99
3% Frying Chicken (per lb)
$1.64
$1.37
16% Meat & Poultry
Chicken (per lb)
$1.71
$1.41
18% Steak (per lb)
$14.54
$16.63
14% Sausage (per lb)
$5.23
$4.96
5% Ground Beef (per lb)
$8.61
$8
7% Snacks & Beverages
Soft Drink (per bottle)
$3.45
$2.94
15% Potato Chips (per bag)
$5.54
$4.23
24% Coffee (per lb)
$6.55
$5.87
10% Fresh Orange Juice (per half gallon)
$5.22
$4.83
7% Fruits & Vegetables
Peaches (per can)
$4.4
$2.88
35% Lettuce (per head)
$1.98
$1.96
1% Bananas (per lb)
$0.64
$0.77
20% Potatoes (per bag)
$5.58
$5.3
5% Dairy & Eggs
Parmesan Cheese (per lb)
$4.69
$4.57
3% Margarine (per lb)
$1.3
$1.43
10% Eggs (per dozen)
$3.98
$4.48
13% Whole Milk (per gallon)
$4.08
$4.73
16% Seafood
Chunk Light Tuna (per can)
$1.22
$1.29
6% U.S. Avg.
New Orleans, LA
Difference Diff
Tire Balance (per tire)
$70.23
$65.54
7% Gasoline (per gallon)
$2.9
$2.95
2% U.S. Avg.
New Orleans, LA
Difference Diff
Doctor Visit (per visit)
$116.03
$157.92
36% Dentist Visit (per visit)
$145.11
$122.92
15% Ibuprofen (per bottle)
$12.38
$11.61
6% Prescription Drug (per month)
$20.8
$21.32
2% Optometrist Visit (per visit)
$95.27
$128.33
35% U.S. Avg.
New Orleans, LA
Difference Diff
Women’s Slacks
$35.43
$42.17
19% Boys’ Jeans
$29.47
$33.21
13% Men’s Shirt
$39.36
$47.83
22% Wine (per bottle)
$7.51
$12.06
61% Beer (per 6-pack)
$11.17
$9.76
13% Veterinary Services (per visit)
$65.33
$66.67
2% Tennis Balls (per pack)
$3.59
$3.69
3% Yoga (per class)
$12
$23.77
98% Movie (per ticket)
$11.67
$14.27
22% Newspaper (per copy)
$19.31
$10
48% Washer Repair (per service)
$109.47
$119.17
9% Women Slacks
$34.88
$40.58
16% Boy Jeans
$29.51
$32.75
11% Man Dress Shirt
$39.05
$49
25% Dry Cleaning (per item)
$13.45
$20.13
50% Shampoo (per bottle)
$1.55
$1.69
9% Toothpaste (per tube)
$3.64
$4.03
11% Beauty Salon (per visit)
$47.5
$48.75
3% Haircut (per cut)
$27.08
$25.75
5% Fried Chicken (per serving)
$4.37
$5.67
30% Pizza (per pizza)
$11.99
$11.19
7% Hamburger (per serving)
$5.28
$5.96
13% The cost of living in New Orleans, LA, is 12.2% higher than the national average. New Orleans' jazz culture, historic architecture, and year-round festival calendar make it the #44th-most expensive city in the US. With the French Quarter hosting major tourism revenue and the Port of New Orleans serving as a gateway for international trade, it's no wonder that the city's prices soar above typical Southern levels.
- Housing is 59% higher than the US average. The average home price in New Orleans, Louisiana, is $847,435, compared to the national median of $385,000. If you're buying a new house in New Orleans, you should budget 10-15% of the home price as your down payment. Remember, monthly mortgage payments in the city are also typically 40% to 50% higher than the national average.
- Renting in New Orleans is 50.9% higher than the national average of $1,530. A one-bedroom apartment in New Orleans costs around $1,900 per month, while a two-bedroom averages $2,500—often without dedicated parking included. Keep in mind flood-zone risks across most of the city; this can affect both insurance rates and the type of property available.
- Utilities are 23% lower than the national average. But that's before hurricane insurance, which costs between $2,400 and $4,800 per year, depending on your flood zone and home type. HOA fees range from $200 to $450 per month, which varies by building and neighborhood. New Orleans' humidity and historic architecture also mean ongoing maintenance costs.
- Food prices in New Orleans are 1% lower than the US median. A gallon of milk costs roughly $4.73, compared to $4.10 in Atlanta or $4.30 in Los Angeles. If you're a family of four, you can expect to spend $900 to $1,200 each month on groceries. As a single adult, you might spend around $320 to $450 per month, depending on your eating habits.
- Transportation costs in New Orleans are 0.66% higher than the US average. Gas cost in New Orleans is $2.95 per gallon, which matches the national average, but runs higher than Houston (at $3.25). Monthly car insurance premiums average $245 in New Orleans, which is 35% higher than the national average of $183. And when you factor in parking fees, streetcar fares, and hurricane evacuation costs, it can get more expensive than you think.
- Healthcare costs in New Orleans are 1.02% lower than the national average. A routine check-up in the city is $157.92, compared to $200 in Houston or $220 in Atlanta. This means New Orleans holds its own among big Southern cities when it comes to healthcare affordability. If you slip on a banana peel during Mardi Gras, an ER visit should cost around $2,800 without insurance.
- Miscellaneous expenses are 10% higher than the national average. This covers Mardi Gras costumes, jazz club cover charges, and occasional po'boy lunches in the French Quarter. A family day at the Audubon Aquarium costs up to $120, while date nights in the Garden District can exceed $90.
Moving to New Orleans? Get ready to spend a bit more to enjoy life in The Big Easy. The food, music, and culture are unbeatable — just make sure your paycheck can keep up with everything else!👉 Next Step: Compare single-family homes in New Orleans, Louisiana
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dream home in New Orleans, LA
Browse Homes For Sale in New Orleans, LAIs Living in New Orleans, LA Expensive?
Yes, New Orleans is expensive to live in, and can be a challenge for middle-class families. The cost of living in New Orleans, Louisiana, is 12.2% higher than the national average. Housing is the biggest contributor, sitting 59% higher than in the US median.
For $400K, you'll get a renovated shotgun house in New Orleans with street parking. In contrast, that same amount can get you a modern home in Birmingham, or a house with a large yard in Little Rock. Moreover, insurance and hurricane preparedness expenses also factor into the city's cost of living.
Housing in New Orleans
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Renting in New Orleans costs 50.9% higher than the national average. With the typical US rent at around $1,530 per month, New Orleans renters pay upwards of $2,063, based on neighborhood and home size. Here are average rental costs across the city:
Utilities in New Orleans
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Food and Groceries in New Orleans
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Transportation in New Orleans
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Healthcare in New Orleans
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Miscellaneous Costs in New Orleans
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What Salary Do You Need to Live in New Orleans, LA?
The average income in New Orleans, Louisiana, is 12.2% higher. But to live comfortably, you'll need at least $55,000 to $85,000 per year, depending on your lifestyle and household size. The jazz may be free, but the insurance bills, childcare costs, and hurricane preparations are not.
- Homeowners spend $114,768 per year: This includes mortgage payments, property taxes, homeowners and flood insurance, utilities, and other basic expenses. Neighborhoods like Uptown and the Garden District come with higher property costs and insurance premiums. Lakeview, Gentilly, and Algiers Point have slightly more affordable housing.
- Renters spend $63,624 per year: With average monthly rent around $2,063, plus utilities, groceries, internet, and transit, renters in popular neighborhoods like Mid-City, the Bywater, or the Warehouse District face steeper costs. Those looking for more budget-friendly rent can check out areas like New Orleans East, Gentilly, or parts of Algiers.
- Families with kids spend $117,096 per year: Now, factor in a larger home, childcare, school-related expenses, as well as more groceries and utilities. Family-oriented neighborhoods like Lakeview, Broadmoor, and Old Metairie provide more space, safety, and access to good quality schools, although they come with a higher price tag.
Is New Orleans, LA Too Expensive? Find Homes in New Orleans, LA as Per Your Budget
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What is a Cost of Living Calculator?
A cost of living calculator helps you compare the expenses required to live in a different location. The calculator factors in various living expenses like housing, food, utilities, transportation, fitness, and entertainment, etc., and helps you estimate how much salary you need to live in that city. Since the cost of goods and services varies in different cities, a New Orleans cost of living calculator can help you make the decision to move to this city or not.
About Cost of Living Data
The data used to determine New Orleans's cost of living is sourced from the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER). Published since 1968, COLI data is recognized by the U.S. Census Bureau and the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This organization regularly updates its data to offer a detailed and well-researched view of living expenses in cities across the country. An independent Advisory Board reviews C2ER’s data collection methodologies and quarterly publications to ensure consistency and quality. For more information, visit www.coli.org. Data published as of Oct 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is gas in New Orleans?
The cost of gas in New Orleans averages $2.95 per gallon. Prices may rise during hurricane season, or around high-traffic periods like Mardi Gras or Jazz Fest. Additionally, congestion on I-10 and other major routes can mean longer drives and more frequent fill-ups.
Is New Orleans a good place to live?
Yes, New Orleans is a good place to live if you're looking for warm weather, cultural diversity, and historic charm. The city has major healthcare systems like Ochsner and Tulane Medical Center, while neighborhoods like Garden District and Uptown are known for their school districts.
What is the cost of living in New Orleans, LA?
The average cost of living in New Orleans, Louisiana, is 12.2% higher than the national average. French Quarter and Garden District are on the expensive side, while Mid-City, Algiers Point, and Gentilly are among the cheapest places to live in New Orleans.
What is the average rent in New Orleans, Louisiana?
A one-bedroom apartment in New Orleans typically rents for $2,063 per month. Premium neighborhoods that offer more amenities charge higher rents, like the French Quarter and Garden District. These include updated interiors, on-site management services and proximity to cultural attractions.
How much is a two-bedroom apartment in New Orleans?
A two-bedroom apartment in New Orleans costs around $1,800 per month. Expect higher rents for river views or luxury buildings in Warehouse District, Uptown, or the Marigny.
What is the average price of utilities in New Orleans?
Utilities in New Orleans cost around $200-$250 per month. This includes electricity, water, sewer, and trash, with higher costs during summer due to constant air conditioning use.
How much is childcare in Louisiana?
If you're moving to Louisiana, childcare costs will you around $9,758 per month for toddlers. Prices vary by location; daycare centers in Uptown and Garden District usually cost more than in-home care setups in Mid-City and Gentilly.
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