Cost of Living in Orleans Parish, Louisiana
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Orleans Parish Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Orleans Parish ranks #3,128 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 1%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Orleans Parish, Louisiana
New Orleans housing demands top earners
Orleans Parish renters face a punishing 26.3% rent-to-income ratio—well above national norms—spending $1,211 monthly on a median income of $55,339. While this income slightly exceeds most Louisiana parishes, the rent burden rivals or exceeds costs in major U.S. metros.
Louisiana's most expensive housing market
Orleans Parish's 26.3% rent-to-income ratio ranks among Louisiana's worst, demanding renters dedicate over a quarter of earnings to housing. The parish's $1,211 median rent vastly exceeds the state average of $873, making New Orleans the state's priciest rental market.
Orleans dominates surrounding parishes
Orleans Parish renters pay $1,211 monthly—nearly double the rent in rural neighbors like Pointe Coupee ($794)—creating a stark urban-rural divide. Even Plaquemines Parish, despite higher incomes, charges just $1,611 for homeownership versus Orleans's $1,404 owner costs.
Urban pricing in full effect
Renters allocate $1,211 monthly and homeowners $1,404, consuming 26.3% and more of the $55,339 median household income combined. Median home values of $296,400 place New Orleans housing solidly in six figures—the state's highest.
New Orleans: prepare for big-city costs
Orleans Parish demands urban-level incomes for sustainable housing; renters here spend more than a quarter of earnings on rent—similar to costly U.S. metros. If New Orleans calls, budget aggressively for housing or seek neighborhoods and surrounding parishes that offer relief from the city center's premium pricing.
Cost of Living Advisory: Orleans Parish
Affordability Verdict
Orleans Parish offers moderately affordable rental housing at a median of $1,211/month — about 26.3% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
At $1,211/month rent versus $1,404/month in owner costs, renting is roughly $193/month cheaper — a 14% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $48,440/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $60,171/year. With a median household income of $55,339, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 35.0% of renter households in Orleans Parish are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Orleans Parish sits 6% more expensive than St. Charles Parish ($1,144/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Orleans Parish
Rent Burden
26.3%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,291
per month
Owner Cost Burden
30.4%
of gross income
The median home in Orleans Parish may be a stretch
Median home value is $296,400. Estimated monthly cost: $2,366 vs. your max of $1,291.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
$0/yr
Needed to stay within recommended threshold
$0/yr
Needed to stay within recommended threshold
$0/yr
Needed to stay within recommended threshold
Based on the 30% rule for rent and 28% rule for housing costs (mortgage + owner costs). Mortgage estimate assumes 20% down, 7.2% interest, 30-year fixed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Orleans Parish, Louisiana?
What is the median rent in Orleans Parish?
Is Orleans Parish affordable?
How does Orleans Parish's rent compare to the state average?
What is the median home value in Orleans Parish?
Counties with Similar Housing Costs
Planning a Move?
Researching the cost of living in Orleans Parish, Louisiana? Compare moving quotes from top providers and save on your relocation.
Compare Moving QuotesCompare Mortgage Rates in Orleans Parish
Whether you're buying your first home or refinancing, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.
See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.
CostByCounty participates in affiliate programs. We may earn a commission when you use our links, at no extra cost to you.