New Orleans, LA
Salary intelligence, cost of living, and affordability data
Avg Salary
$62,060
across all roles
Cost Index
91
Below Average
Avg Rent
$1,380/mo
1-bed apartment
Affordability
5/10
Moderate Affordability
How affordable is New Orleans?
Moderate Affordability
Purchasing power score: 1.54× (take-home ÷ living costs)
With a cost of living index of 91 (US avg = 100) and average disposable income of $1,323/mo, New Orleans is a mid-tier cost market with reasonable affordability across most income levels.
Cost of Living Benchmarks
Cost Index
91
US avg = 100
Est. Monthly Rent
$1,380
1-bed, city avg
Avg Disposable
$1,323
after taxes + living costs
Median Salary
$56,520
across all tracked roles
Purchasing Power
1.54×
take-home ÷ costs
Jobs Tracked
487
job titles with data
Highest-Paying Jobs in New Orleans
By gross annual salary
- $230,180
- 2.Dentists$208,050
- $164,920
- $163,880
- $163,280
- $153,990
- $143,400
- $142,890
- $139,130
- $139,010
Best Jobs for Disposable Income
After taxes and living costs
- $11,551/mo
- 2.Dentists$10,204/mo
- $7,581/mo
- $7,517/mo
- $7,481/mo
- $6,916/mo
- $6,272/mo
- $6,241/mo
- $6,012/mo
- $6,004/mo
Jobs With Tightest Budgets in New Orleans
These roles leave the least disposable income after living costs — worth knowing before accepting an offer.
Explore New Orleans Further
All data derived from BLS OEWS metro data and regional cost-of-living indices. Figures are estimates; verify with local sources before making decisions.