Cost of Living in New Orleans, LA is
0.4% Higher
than the National Average

Did the Cost of Living in New Orleans, LA increase in 2024? New Orleans, LA area prices were up 1.2% from a year ago. The largest increases were found in Transportation, Food, and Housing.
By using Salary.com's Cost of Living Calculator, you can make a cost of living comparison of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and salary differentials of over 300+ US cities. Let us help you make an informed decision about what it will cost to live and work in the city of your dreams!
About New Orleans, Louisiana    New Orleans (/ɔːrˈliːnz, ˈɔːrl(i)ənz/, locally /ˈɔːrlənz/; French: La Nouvelle-Orléans [la nuvɛlɔʁleɑ̃] (listen)) is a consolidated city-parish locate....More
The federal minimum wage is $7.25 per hour while Louisiana's state law sets the minimum wage rate at $7.25 per hour in 2024. Demands for a living wage that is fair to workers have resulted in numerous location-based changes to minimum wage levels. View future changes in the minimum wage in your location by visiting Minimum Wage Values in New Orleans, LA

Cost of Living Calculator



Cost of Living in other Major Cities

City, State Compared to national average
City, State San Francisco, CA Compared to national average
+ 86.5%
City, State Washington, DC Compared to national average
+ 45.2%
City, State Miami, FL Compared to national average
+ 15.4%
City, State Chicago, IL Compared to national average
+ 12.4%
City, State Boston, MA Compared to national average
+ 53.1%
City, State New York, NY Compared to national average
+ 77.0%
City, State Dallas, TX Compared to national average
+ 7.0%

Cost of Living New Orleans, LA by Expense Category

Category Compared to national average
CategoryEnergy Compared to national average
-18.2%
CategoryFood Compared to national average
+ 11.5%
CategoryHealthcare Compared to national average
-16.0%
CategoryHousing Compared to national average
+ 1.7%
CategoryTransportation Compared to national average
-20.6%

Cost of Living Comparison with New Orleans, LA

If you move to New Orleans from one of these cities, you would have these the changes of your cost of living.


Move From Move To Cost Of Living Comparison
Move FromSan Francisco, CA Move ToNew Orleans, LA Cost Of Living Comparision
-86.1%
Move FromWashington, DC Move ToNew Orleans, LA Cost Of Living Comparision
-44.7%
Move FromMiami, FL Move ToNew Orleans, LA Cost Of Living Comparision
-14.9%
Move FromChicago, IL Move ToNew Orleans, LA Cost Of Living Comparision
-11.9%
Move FromBoston, MA Move ToNew Orleans, LA Cost Of Living Comparision
-52.6%
Move FromNew York, NY Move ToNew Orleans, LA Cost Of Living Comparision
-76.6%
Move FromDallas, TX Move ToNew Orleans, LA Cost Of Living Comparision
-6.6%

Based on this cost of living comparison, you can see:
If you move from Chicago IL, Dallas, TX, or Miami, FL, the percent increase of your cost of living could be 22.8%, 37.8%, and 24.8%. Looks like this move could have a negative net change in disposable income, so please think carefully!
If you move from New York, NY, San Francisco, CA, or Washington, DC, the percent reduction of your cost of living could be -43.50%, -23%, and -20.10%, that's good news to you that you could be looking at a positive net change in disposable income.


About New Orleans, LA

New Orleans (/ɔːrˈliːnz, ˈɔːrl(i)ənz/, locally /ˈɔːrlənz/; French: La Nouvelle-Orléans [la nuvɛlɔʁleɑ̃] (listen)) is a consolidated city-parish located along the Mississippi River in the southeastern region of the U.S. state of Louisiana. With an estimated population of 393,292 in 2017, it is the most populous city in Louisiana. A major port, New Orleans is considered an economic and commercial hub for the broader Gulf Coast region of the United States. New Orleans is world-renowned for its distinct music, Creole cuisine, unique dialect, and its annual celebrations and festivals, most notably ...
Source: Wikipedia (as of 04/11/2019). Read more from Wikipedia


Comments about the Cost of Living in New Orleans, LA

What stores are known for lower grocery prices?

Stores like Trader Joe’s are known to offer low prices. Shopping there can considerably reduce cost of living, as the prices in grocery stores can vary a lot. ( 2024-04-24 salary.com )

Are there good recreational opportunities in or near New Orleans, LA?

If you love sports, you will love New Orleans, LA! Since there are football, basketball teams, you can go to a lot of games. Keep in mind that the tickets tend to be expensive, so you need to manage your entertainment budget carefully. Sometimes you can get discount tickets on line. Some people purchase a season ticket with a group of friends and take turns going to the games. Sports tickets can increase your cost of living in New Orleans, LA, but if you are a true sports fan it is worth it. In New Orleans, LA, the games are usually shown on local TV and you can host a party of friends and watch the game together. ( 2024-04-24 salary.com )

How much is the average price of internet in New Orleans, LA?

The average cost of internet access in the U.S. is $66.20 per month. There are many providers and various packages that are offered, many that bundle internet, cable, and phone together. Pricing for various packages can vary a lot even in the same location. You should evaluate the options based on your usage and preferences and pick the best fit for your needs. One tip to reduce this cost and your overall cost of living, is to get cable service from another source like Direct TV, Netflix, Sling, Amazon Prime or others. ( 2024-04-24 salary.com )

I am nervous about moving, what is the typical cost of moving to another city and what should I have to think about?

Even if you are moving within your current state, the cost of moving could be over $1,000 depending on the city, what you are moving, and how much professional help you hire. You can save some expense by packing boxes yourself, renting a U-Haul truck, and asking friends and family to help with the loading and unloading. You should call at least three moving companies for a moving estimate, the cost might be less than you think and you won’t have to worry about a friend hurting their back trying to move your heavy furniture. Another way to make your move easier – and save money – is by weeding out items you don’t need anymore. Why bother to move stuff that you do not even use! Have a yard sale or find a local charitable organization and donate items you no longer use. Make sure you include these moving costs into the overall cost of living for year one in New Orleans, LA. ( 2024-04-24 salary.com )

I am moving with children, what should I do to make the move less stressful for them and myself?

Adults find that moving can sometimes be an emotional and stressful experience. Children, who don’t have the maturity, independence, and understanding of a parent may be even more sensitive to a move. If they are old enough to understand, include the children in making plans for the move. When moving to a distant place, help your children learn about the new area. Check out the website for New Orleans, Louisiana to find opportunities and activities in the new location like parks, beaches, museums, or playgrounds that kids will enjoy and look forward to visiting. ( 2024-04-24 salary.com )

How do rental housing prices in New Orleans,Louisiana impact the overall cost of living?

In New Orleans,LA, the median rent for a 1 bedroom apartment is $799, and for a 2 bedroom apartment is $968. In general, in the past year, rental costs in New Orleans have increased slightly by approximately 0.5%. Since rental expense makes up a significant part of the cost of living, you should consider this expense and how it might change when you calculate your cost of living in a new city. ( 2024-04-24 salary.com )

I know there are many types of taxes that contribute to the cost of living in New Orleans, Louisiana, will the overall tax expense be high or low?

The overall tax ranking for New Orleans, Louisiana, which is based on a composite of state wide taxes including income taxes, sales taxes, property taxes, insurance taxes, and business taxes is the eighth highest compared to the rest of the United States. This overall tax profile can definitely impact your cost of living in New Orleans, LA. ( 2024-04-24 salary.com )

I hate to drive in traffic, does New Orleans have traffic problems?

Unfortunately, driving in New Orleans, Louisiana is not very easy and may take up a lot of your time. It is ranked as number 79 in the United States, making it below average in driver friendliness. This means that the time and ease of your driving times will impact your cost of living, since driving in heavy and slow moving traffic uses a lot of gas. ( 2024-04-24 salary.com )

Does New Orleans, Louisiana have a good climate?

The weather in New Orleans is ideal. Based on data collected by NOAA National Climatic Data Center, New Orleans is considered to have one of the most favorable climates in the country based on comfort and number of days with clear skies. You will enjoy living in New Orleans, Louisiana. ( 2024-04-24 salary.com )

How much is a monthly pass for public transit in New Orleans, Louisiana?

The cost of a monthly transit pass in New Orleans, LA is around $55.00. Ask your employer if they offer discounted passes to save even more money and reduce your cost of commuting and overall Cost of Living (COL). ( 2024-04-24 salary.com )



Cost of Living Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Cost of Living index and how is it used?

In the simplest terms, a Cost of Living index is the estimated amount that represents the cost of the basic necessities required for an individual to live. A cost of living or COL estimate may typically include estimates for housing, food, energy, medical care, transportation, taxes, and other necessities. A COL index may be used to measure what the cost difference would be for a person living in a certain location compared to another location. This cost of living comparison helps individuals make decisions about where they would like to live and what they can afford based on the costs in that location. A cost of living comparison can provide guidance about how an increase or decrease in these basic living expenses impacts necessary spending for an individual or a family. ( 2024-04-24 salary.com )

What factors are included in estimating your cost of living?

The Salary.com cost of living calculator estimate is based on data related to five general categories: housing, food, healthcare, transportation, and energy. These are the universally recognized core components of any cost of living estimate and represent those expenses that apply to everyone. Obviously, there may be other factors that could contribute to your particular cost of living situation and not everyone has the same spending habits. For example, education and/or childcare costs might not apply to everyone, but for those who have those expenses, they could be significant and should be considered when you evaluate your cost of living comparison. ( 2024-04-24 salary.com )

The Salary.com cost of living calculator is unique in that it also incorporates current salary data for thousands of jobs specific to a chosen home or work location to provide a more refined estimate of the cost of living variations. You can see how your job and your salary will be impacted by a change of location. If you live in one location but work in another, the cost of living calculator will make those adjustments to provide an accurate estimate of the change in COL. The Salary.com cost of living calculator helps you to make cost of living comparisons cost comparisons easily and quickly. ( 2024-04-24 salary.com )


Last Update: 2024-04-24