Is New Orleans expensive to live in?
Median income: $42,996. Median rent: $1,150. Median home price: $215,000.
Relocation guide · Louisiana
Moving to New Orleans, LA
New Orleans, LA city guide. Population is 383,997. Median household income is $42,996. Median rent is $1,150.
Median Rent
$1,150/mo
Median Income
$42,996
State Tax
4.25%
Population
383,997
Cost of living
What you'll spend in New Orleans
Median income: $42,996. Median rent: $1,150. Median home price: $215,000.
Median Rent/mo
$1,150
Median Home Price
$215,000
Median Income
$42,996
Rent-to-Income
32%
Taxes
Your tax situation in Louisiana
State tax rate: 4.25%. Local tax rate: 9.45%.
State Income Tax
4.25%
Local Tax Rate
9.45%
Climate
Weather in New Orleans
Average high: 77°F. Average low: 59°F. Annual rainfall: 64 inches. Sunny days: 218.
Avg High Temp
77°F
Avg Low Temp
59°F
Sunny Days/yr
218
Annual Rainfall
64"
Relocation checklist
Before you move to New Orleans
Use this checklist to stay organized during your move.
- ✓Research neighborhoods and commute routes
- ✓Compare rent vs buying based on your timeline
- ✓Check state income tax impact on your salary
- ✓Verify employer presence or remote work infrastructure
- ✓Review health insurance and healthcare options
- ✓Update driver's license and vehicle registration
- ✓Transfer voter registration to new state
- ✓Find a local bank or update your address
- ✓Research school districts if moving with children
- ✓Get quotes from at least 3 moving companies
Considering other cities?
Compare New Orleans with similar cities
Frequently asked questions about moving to New Orleans
What is the average rent in New Orleans?
The median rent in New Orleans is $1,150/month. Median home price is $215,000. Many newcomers rent for the first year to learn the neighborhoods before buying.
Does Louisiana have a state income tax?
State tax rate: 4.25%. Local tax rate: 9.45%.
What is New Orleans known for?
New Orleans, LA city guide. Population is 383,997. Median household income is $42,996. Median rent is $1,150.
What should I know before moving to New Orleans?
Research neighborhoods carefully — New Orleans has significant variation in cost and lifestyle by area.
Data sourced from U.S. Census Bureau, Bureau of Labor Statistics, and NOAA. Updated 2026.