New Orleans' motto is “Laissez les bon temps rouler" or “Let the good times roll." That motto extends to most areas of everyday life in town where there is a thriving restaurant scene, vibrant culture and historic atmosphere.
The local population of more than 390,000 people works hard and plays hard, too. There are a variety of job opportunities and entertainment options. If you are considering moving to a new location with a distinct personality, New Orleans could be a good fit. The city has multiple districts, each with its own style. With such a variety of neighborhoods, you're sure to find something that will suit your budget and lifestyle.
First, it's important to understand the average rent in New Orleans and which areas of the city are most expensive and most affordable.
Compared with other major U.S. cities, New Orleans has a somewhat low population. It ranks 50th in population but has competitive apartment rates. The average rent in New Orleans for a one-bedroom apartment is $1,634. That's up more than 6 percent since last year, and slightly more expensive than the national average.
Overall, the average rent in New Orleans has been going up in the past few years. As the demand for housing in popular neighborhoods is increasing, so is the rent in those neighborhoods. That being said, rent prices in less popular areas still fall below the national average.
To live comfortably in New Orleans, you need to consider a few things. One big consideration will be commuting. Many neighborhoods have easy access to public transportation, but some do not. Similarly, many neighborhood homes have driveways designed for family cars, but other areas only have on-street parking. Choosing the right neighborhood for your transportation needs is essential in New Orleans.
Similarly, you will need to plan how much you want to spend on entertainment and dining out. A large part of New Orleans's culture revolves around food, fun and friends. When examining your budget, think about how much money you will allot to enjoying local activities.
Most experts agree that you should only spend about 30 percent of your gross annual income on rent. In an ideal situation, that would include some bills like electricity, gas and water. This leaves you with 70 percent of your income to use for the rest of your bills, living expenses, savings and entertainment.
To afford an average one-bedroom apartment in New Orleans, you will need to earn approximately $65,360 annually.
It's wise to consider current rental market trends as you are estimating how much your rent will be. To better prepare you, check out our rent calculator. It will help you determine which neighborhoods are best for your budget and help you zero in on the apartments that best suit your needs.
Here is a more detailed look at how that cost of living compares to the national average:
Every neighborhood in New Orleans has its own unique style and flair. Living in the heart of the French Quarter would put you in the middle of all of the action, but you would pay higher than average rent.
Conversely, living in the Fairgrounds neighborhood would put you a little farther from the heart of the city, but rent would be less than average. Still, even if you lived in the Fairgrounds neighborhood, you would be within walking distance of several local festivals (including the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival and Voodoo Festival).
When deciding where you want to live, consider how close you want to live to local grocery stores, restaurants and entertainment venues.
The monthly rent for an average one-bedroom apartment in the French Quarter is $2,040, up 10 percent year over year. There are countless restaurants, bars, clubs and theatres within easy walking or driving distance of this neighborhood. Also, you will have a front-row seat for Mardi Gras festivities.
Other New Orleans neighborhoods that are above the national average include the Garden District (and Lower Garden District), Bayou St. John and the Central Business District.
The Lower Garden District rent prices have gone up nearly 70 percent since 2019, which is no surprise for such a trendy neighborhood. The Garden District, Lower Garden District and Central Business District are all located within walking distance of Mardi Gras parades. If you enjoy the outdoors, Bayou St. John is a popular location for kayaking, biking and lounging outside on a nice day.
Each of these neighborhoods has a personality of its own and comes with unique festivals and celebrations.
| Rank | Neighborhood | Average 1-BR Rent Price | YoY Rent Price Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | French Quarter | $2,040 | 10.00% |
| 2 | Bourbon Street | $1,959 | 5.63% |
| 3 | Garden District | $1,949 | -8.15% |
| 4 | Medical District | $1,874 | N/A |
| 5 | Bayou St. John | $1,825 | 0.00% |
The two least expensive neighborhoods in New Orleans are Algiers and Old Aurora. These neighborhoods are on the "West Bank," across the Mississippi River from the French Quarter. Because they are on the opposite side of the river, commuting to work in the heart of the city is a little tricky.
On the “East Bank" (the same side of the river as the French Quarter), some of the least expensive neighborhoods are Fairgrounds, Gert Town and parts of Mid City.
| Rank | Neighborhood | Average 1-BR Rent Price | YoY Rent Price Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Algiers | $1,138 | N/A |
| 2 | Old Aurora | $1,138 | N/A |
| 3 | Fairgrounds | $1,293 | 0.83% |
| 4 | Phoenix | $1,450 | -0.01% |
| 5 | Tulane - Gravier | $1,450 | -0.01% |
No matter the location, you can find a great apartment in New Orleans that will be perfect for your lifestyle. You just need to narrow down your budget and determine which amenities matter most to you.
Here is how the neighborhoods compare with one another.
| Neighborhood | Average 1-BR Rent Price | YoY Rent Price Change |
|---|---|---|
| Algiers | $1,138 | N/A |
| Bayou St. John | $1,825 | 0.00% |
| Bourbon Street | $1,959 | 5.63% |
| Central Business District | $1,783 | 6.63% |
| Esplanade Ridge Historic District | $1,825 | 0.00% |
| Fairgrounds | $1,293 | 0.83% |
| French Quarter - CBD | $1,794 | 6.62% |
| French Quarter | $2,040 | 10.00% |
| Garden District | $1,949 | -8.15% |
| Gert Town | $1,467 | 0.88% |
| Lafayette Square | $1,604 | 1.91% |
| Lower Garden District | $1,772 | 69.54% |
| Medical District | $1,874 | N/A |
| Mid-City New Orleans | $1,489 | -3.14% |
| Mid-City | $1,594 | -0.51% |
| Old Aurora | $1,138 | N/A |
| Phoenix | $1,450 | -0.01% |
| Tulane - Gravier | $1,450 | -0.01% |
| Warehouse District* | $1,579 | -11.91% |
Many people visit New Orleans on vacation and find that it immediately feels like home. As John Goodman once said, “Someone suggested that there's an incomplete part of our chromosomes that gets repaired or found when we hit New Orleans. Some of us just belong here."
Whether you've already fallen in love with New Orleans and know you want to call it home or you're just looking for a change of scenery, you can find what you need here. From careers and history to nightlife and food, New Orleans has it all. There's an apartment for every type of person in The Big Easy.
Born and raised in New Orleans, Heather West is a professional outdoor educator and writer. She spends most of her time leading excursions into the wetlands near New Orleans or enjoying the food and fun of the area. Her work has been published on a variety of blogs, including Board and Kayak Life and LOOP NOLA.