New Orleans, LA, US
The Big Easy with jazz, Creole cuisine, Mardi Gras, and a culture unlike anywhere else.
Below Average vs US Avg (100)
Affordable
Household income
Job market health
New Orleans vs US Average
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 4.2%
- Sales Tax: 9.4%
Economy & Jobs
- Median Income: $45,000
- Unemployment: 4.8%
- Population: 376,971
Climate
- Sunny Days: 216/year
- Summer High: 91°F
- Winter Low: 45°F
- Farming Zone: USDA Zone 6b
Housing
- Median Home: $265,000
- 1BR Rent: $1400/mo
Cost of Living
New Orleans's cost of living index is 98.5 (US average = 100).
| Category | New Orleans | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 98.5 | 100 | -1.5% |
| Housing | 95.2 | 100 | -4.8% |
Data source: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
Housing Market
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $265,000 |
| Median Rent (1BR) | $1400/mo |
| Median Rent (2BR) | $1,750/mo |
| Price per Sq Ft | $176 |
Data source: Zillow Research, 2026
True Cost of Home Ownership
Utilities
Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in New Orleans:
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | $85 | Based on ~900 kWh/month typical US household usage |
| Heating & Cooling | $21 | Estimated based on local climate. Gas or electric |
| Cooling (AC) | $11 | Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates |
| Water | $55 | Includes sewer |
| Internet (100+ Mbps) | $60 | Broadband average |
| Garbage / Trash | $25 | Private service |
| Total Utilities | $257 | Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling) |
Data sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow
Remote Work Score
New Orleans scores —/100 for remote work readiness:
Climate
New Orleans has a varied climate with distinct seasons.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 65°F | 45°F | 2.5" |
| April | 76°F | 60°F | 2.8" |
| July | 91°F | 66°F | 1.5" |
| October | 71°F | 63°F | 2.2" |
Cool to mild — apples, pears, berries, many vegetables
Natural Hazards
New Orleans faces the following natural hazards:
Located on the Gulf Coast, frequently affected by hurricanes and storm surges.
Below sea level with extreme flood risk from hurricanes and storm surges.
Extreme summer heat with high humidity.
Tornado Alley with frequent tornadoes.
Wildfire risk in forested areas.
Periodic drought conditions.
Based on historical records and geographic risk assessment.
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 4.25%
- Sales Tax: 9.45%
- Property Tax: ~0.82% of assessed value
Economy & Jobs
Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 4.8%.
Schools & Education
Data source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
Universities & Higher Education
Data source: Center for World University Rankings (CWUR) & World Universities Database
Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in New Orleans, LA, US?
The cost of living index in New Orleans is 98.5, which is Lower the US national average of 100.
How much does it cost to buy a home in New Orleans?
The median home price in New Orleans is $265,000. The housing index is 95.2.
What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in New Orleans is approximately $1400/mo.
Does New Orleans, LA have income tax?
New Orleans is in LA, which has an income tax rate of 4.25%.
What is the climate like in New Orleans?
New Orleans enjoys approximately 216 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 91°F, while winter lows can drop to around 45°F.
Relocation Guides
Data Sources
- Cost of Living: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
- Housing Data: Zillow Research, 2026
- Income & Employment: US Census Bureau American Community Survey, 2024
- Utilities U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow
Data last updated: August 12, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.