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City in Louisiana, United States

Cost of living in New Orleans

Updated October 2026Sources

How much a month costs in New Orleans

For one person, including rent. A comfortable month costs about $3,400–4,800 ($3,400–4,800).

Lean$2,000–2,800$2,000–2,800 · Room or studio, local food
Comfortable$3,400–4,800$3,400–4,800 · 1-bed apartment, eating out daily
Luxury$6,500–11,000$6,500–11,000 · Upscale apartment, restaurants, taxis

Prices in New Orleans

Typical 2026 ranges in USD, rounded. US$ at the 03 Oct 2026 exchange rate.

ItemUSDUS$
Housing
1-bedroom apartment, center (month)$1,600–2,500$1,600–2,500
1-bedroom apartment, outside center (month)$1,200–1,900$1,200–1,900
Hostel dorm bed (night)$30–60$30–60
Mid-range hotel room (night)$130–250$130–250
Food and drink
Local meal or street food$11–17$11–17
Mid-range restaurant, per person$25–48$25–48
Cappuccino$4–5$4–5
Local beer, 0.5 l in a bar$6–10$6–10
Getting around
Public transport, one ride$1–2$1–2
Ride-hailing or taxi, about 5 km$11–20$11–20
Work and life
Coworking day pass$20–40$20–40
Gym membership (month)$30–80$30–80
Mobile data, 20–50 GB (month)$25–50$25–50

Value for money: 9/100

A value score of 9/100 means New Orleans gives more quality of life per dollar than 8% of the 1,319 places we cover. Quality here scores 77/100. It's the 12th most affordable of 57 places we cover in United States.

Quality factorScore
Safety50
Air quality93
Internet88
Healthcare100
Weather50
Friendly locals100
English100

Cost of living across United States

One person, comfortable lifestyle, including rent.

PlaceComfortable monthValue
San Antonio$2,600–3,80027/100
Savannah$3,000–4,40019/100
Portland$3,000–4,50016/100
Orlando$3,200–4,60015/100
Atlanta$3,200–4,80010/100
Philadelphia$3,300–4,8008/100
New Orleans$3,400–4,8009/100
Las Vegas$3,500–5,0008/100
Denver$3,500–5,00011/100
Scottsdale$3,600–5,20013/100
Nashville$3,700–5,20010/100
Austin$3,800–5,4008/100
Charleston$3,800–5,5008/100
Fort Lauderdale$3,800–5,5008/100
Chicago$4,000–5,8004/100
Sedona$4,000–5,8008/100
Big Island$4,200–6,2005/100
Honolulu$4,400–6,2006/100
Washington, D.C.$4,400–6,2003/100
Los Angeles$4,500–6,5003/100
San Diego$4,600–6,5004/100
Seattle$4,600–6,6002/100
Maui$4,600–6,6005/100
Miami$4,800–6,8002/100
Boston$4,800–6,8003/100
Key West$5,000–7,0004/100
Kauai$5,000–7,5003/100
Miami Beach$5,200–7,4002/100
San Francisco$5,600–7,8001/100
New York City$5,800–8,0001/100

Cheaper alternatives to New Orleans

Similar safety, lower cost, in North America.

PlaceCountryComfortable month
Quebec CityCanada$2,110–2,950
OttawaCanada$2,460–3,370
Niagara FallsCanada$2,250–3,090
VictoriaCanada$2,530–3,440
CalgaryCanada$2,460–3,370

Quick answers

How much money do you need per month in New Orleans?

About $2,000–2,800 on a lean budget, $3,400–4,800 for a comfortable month and $6,500–11,000 for a luxury one, rent included.

How much is rent in New Orleans?

A furnished 1-bedroom apartment costs $1,600–2,500 ($1,600–2,500) a month in the center and $1,200–1,900 ($1,200–1,900) outside it.

How much does food cost in New Orleans?

A local meal is $11–17 ($11–17); a mid-range restaurant is $25–48 ($25–48) per person.

Is United States expensive?

Prices in United States are about 100% of US price levels (World Bank PPP).

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Sources

Prices are SoloSquare estimates for 2026, reviewed against official and operator prices where available. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.