Louisiana · Population 376,035 · Updated March 2026
How far your income goes in New Orleans
State-level tax rates that affect your costs
New Orleans offers a below-average cost of living, giving residents more purchasing power compared to many US cities. With a cost index of 90 (where 100 equals the national median), New Orleans residents can expect to pay median rent of $1,211/month while earning a median household income of $55,339/year.
The median home value in New Orleans, LA is $296,400, with typical monthly owner costs around $1,274 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. With a rent-to-income ratio of 26.3%, New Orleans falls within the generally affordable range, though it's approaching the 30% burden threshold.
Louisiana has a moderate income tax rate of 4.25%. Combined with a 4.45% sales tax rate and 0.55% effective property tax rate, the overall tax environment is a factor in the total cost of living in New Orleans.
Common questions about living costs in New Orleans
Similar-sized cities to compare