New Orleans, Louisiana: the home of Mardi Gras, Cajun culture, festival culture, and balmy, warm weather all the time. Whether you’re moving to escape the cold or to become part of the year-found festivities, here is what you need to know about the cost of living in New Orleans.
Cost of Housing
As you might have guessed, NOLA is a popular place — making housing here a bit on the pricey side, above national average by about 7%. Buying a house will cost around $197,000, and be sure to factor in the cost of home insurance that includes flood and storm damage. Renting an apartment isn’t quite as pricey, with the average rent around $930 per month. But if you’ve never been one to buy renters’ insurance, you should probably consider it here to make sure you’re covered in the event of an… event.
Average Income
When moving to New Orleans, its best to have a career plan. The median household income is just $37,488, almost $18,000 less than the national average. The per capita income is actually not that far below national average, at $28,500 – and well above the average in the rest of Louisiana.
Food Costs
You can’t expect to live in NOLA and not go out for some fried chicken or Cafe du Monde beignets. A budget breakfast or lunch is available if you look, with prices between $5-$10. Dinners tend to be a bit pricier as there are lots of great foodie options, but wouldn’t you know? New Orleans has some of the cheapest fried chicken in the country, and drinks on Bourbon Street makes for a remarkably
Utility Costs
With the climate in New Orleans staying generally warm-to-hot, you won’t need to worry about heat – just cooling. Even still the average monthly electric bill is around $117, nearly 30% below national average. Phone service – we’re talking landlines – is on par at around $29 a month.
Cost of Transportation
The price of gasoline in New Orleans is notably lower than the rest of the nation, perhaps due to its proximity to the Gulf Coast – but beyond that, you’ll find transportation costs quite a bit higher. Insurance costs here are some of the highest in the nation, and the abundant traffic cameras will make sure you’re staying honest with your driving habits… or else. New Orleans is also lovingly dubbed Pothole Park, so you may find your need for tire balancing and alignments increases. On the flip side, the Street Car system is free to ride so you can save yourself the trouble and let someone else drive.
Cost of Healthcare
Across the board, visits to your practitioners will cost less in New Orleans than the national average. $98 will get you in with a doctor, and $88 will have you in the dentist’s chair. The only healthcare cost that is above average is medication. Health insurance in Louisiana costs about 15% more than the national average.
Overall? The cost of living in New Orleans, Louisiana, is not far from the national average. So if you’re ready to make the move, enjoy many things to do beyond Mardi Gras, cozy up at a jazz club, and have some real Cajun cooking, let us help you find the professional movers who can make it all go smoothly.
