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City guide · Louisiana

Moving to New Orleans, LA

Music, food, hurricanes, distinct culture.

Pop. 384kCost index 95.5 · 100 = US avgMedian rent $1,450/moMedian home $285kWalk score 58

New Orleans (metro area) has an overall price level 95.5 (US avg = 100). Housing dominates the difference.

Overall price index
95.5
Housing index
63.1
Groceries index (modeled)
98.9
Utilities index (modeled)
99.3
Electricity rate
14.2 ¢/kWh
Transportation index (modeled)
99.1
Median home value (est.)
$285,000
Median monthly rent (est.)
$1,450/mo

Sources: BLS LAUS 2026-04 · Census ACS 2024 (live) state-level

Louisiana unemployment is 4.4% with median household income $61k.

Unemployment rate
4.4%
Median household income
$60,986
Per-capita income
$35,440
Labor-force participation
59.9%
Right-to-work state
Yes
Nurse Licensure Compact
Member

Sources: FEMA NRI 2025 · Census ACS 2024 (live) city-level

New Orleans: median home value $285,000.

Home value
$285,000
Rent
$1,450/mo
Homeownership rate
68.0%
Natural-hazard risk (FEMA county avg)
62/100
Hurricane exposure
High
Wildfire exposure
Low
Tornado risk
Low
Earthquake risk
Low

Louisiana 4th-grade math proficiency: 34.8% at/above NAEP proficient.

4th-grade math proficiency
34.8%
Per-pupil spending
$13,314
Student–teacher ratio (est.)
16
Public 4-yr grad rate
44.0%
Notable universities
Public flagship + regional schools

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