What is the cost of living in New Orleans?

The cost of living in New Orleans is 49.6% cheaper than New York City (index: 50.4). Groceries are 20.0% cheaper than NYC. Restaurants are 2.0% cheaper than NYC. A 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre costs approximately USD 1,853 per month. Local purchasing power index is 131.2 (NYC = 100).

🇺🇸 LA, United States · #141 of 577 cities · 2026

Should I Move to New Orleans?

Q: Should I move to New Orleans?

New Orleans, LA, United States has a cost of living 49.6% cheaper than New York City (index: 50.4). It is ranked #141 out of 577 cities globally. Local purchasing power is very strong (index: 131.2 vs NYC = 100). Use our salary comparison calculator to see exactly how your take-home pay would change.

49.6% cheaper than NYC, and purchasing power is very strong.

Run the calculator below with your actual salary to get a personalised answer.

-49.6%

vs NYC

USD 1,853

1-BR, city centre

131.2

Purchasing Power

Very strong

Purchasing Power

Cost index: Numbeo, blended with Expatistan and LivingCost where available (NYC = 100) · Data from October 2026

Personalised Answer

Compare your salary: move to New Orleans?

Cost breakdown: New Orleans

Cost indices vs NYC = 100

Cost of Living

50.4 Expensive

Rent

37.3 Affordable

Groceries

80.0 Above average

Restaurants

98.0 Expensive

Purchasing Power

131.2 Very strong

Rent in New Orleans

1-BR, city centre USD 1,853/mo

1-BR, outside centre USD 1,198/mo

3-BR, city centre USD 3,053/mo

3-BR, outside centre USD 2,028/mo

Save by going outside centre 35% cheaper

Numbeo · 2026-10-02

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