New Orleans, LA cost of living
LA · BLS RPP 93.6
Estimated — not yet source-verified.Estimated — not yet source-verified against official BLS/HUD figures. This page is not indexed. Treat the RPP and FMR values as rough proxies and verify with the BLS or HUD datasets directly before relying on them.
Overall RPP
93.6
US = 100
Housing RPP
88.4
Housing component
Goods RPP
98
Goods component
2-BR Rent (HUD)
$1,220/mo
FY2024 FMR
What salary do you need in New Orleans, LA?
Equivalent salary to maintain the same purchasing power as in a US-average city (RPP 100).
| In US-average city | You need in New Orleans, LA | Formula |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $46,800 | $50,000 x (93.6/100) |
| $75,000 | $70,200 | $75,000 x (93.6/100) |
| $100,000 | $93,600 | $100,000 x (93.6/100) |
| $125,000 | $117,000 | $125,000 x (93.6/100) |
| $150,000 | $140,400 | $150,000 x (93.6/100) |
| $200,000 | $187,200 | $200,000 x (93.6/100) |
This tool provides estimates only. Equivalent-salary figures are derived from BLS Regional Price Parities (RPP) and HUD Fair Market Rents — they are averages, not guarantees. Actual cost of living varies by neighborhood, lifestyle, and individual circumstances. Not financial advice.
State income tax note
Louisiana income tax 1.85%-4.25%.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the cost of living in New Orleans, LA?
- New Orleans, LA has a BLS Regional Price Parity of 93.6 (US average = 100). It is 6.4% less expensive than the national average.
- What salary do I need to live in New Orleans, LA?
- If you earn $100,000 in a US-average city (RPP 100), you would need approximately $93,600 in New Orleans, LA to maintain the same purchasing power.
- What is the average rent in New Orleans, LA?
- The HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom in New Orleans, LA is approximately $1,220 per month as of FY2024.
Compare with other cities
Buying a home in New Orleans, LA? See closing costs at TallyClose.