Thinking About Living in New Orleans? Here’s What You’ll Really Pay in 2025
New Orleans is known for rich culture, food, and music — but for many residents, the rising cost of living is a growing concern. Whether you’re considering moving here or already call the city home, understanding the cost of living in New Orleans in 2025 is more important than ever.
We’ve broken down what you can expect to spend on housing, groceries, transportation, healthcare, and more — with a local perspective.
Housing: Rent and Home Prices in 2025
Housing costs remain the biggest expense for most New Orleanians. As of March 2025:
• Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city is $1,395/month, with higher prices in the French Quarter, Bywater, and Uptown.
• 2-bedroom apartments range from $1,600 to $2,100/month, depending on location and amenities.
• Home prices in neighborhoods like Mid-City, Gentilly, and Carrollton have steadily climbed. The median home price in New Orleans is now approximately $325,000.
Affordable housing remains a challenge, particularly for artists, musicians, and low-income families. For more context, visit the New Orleans Office of Housing Policy and Community Development.
Groceries and Dining
Prices for everyday groceries in New Orleans have risen around 5% since 2024, driven by inflation and shipping disruptions.
• A gallon of milk: $5.25
• Dozen eggs: $7.00 (due to Bird Flu; $5.00 otherwise)
• Chicken thighs (1 lb.): $2.75
• Bread (loaf): $3.00
• Rice (2 lbs.): $2.49
• Bananas (1 lb.): $0.79
Dining out remains popular — and relatively affordable — depending on where you go. A casual meal at a local spot like Willie Mae’s Scotch House might cost $12 to $15, while a mid-range meal for two at a nice restaurant could total $75+, especially with drinks.
Utilities and Internet
Monthly utility costs vary based on apartment size and usage:
• Electric, water, gas, garbage for a 1-bedroom: $145–$200/month
• Internet (Wi-Fi, 100 Mbps+): $65–$85/month
In summer, expect electric bills to spike due to heavy air conditioning use.
Transportation
New Orleans is a car-friendly city, but parking and traffic are issues in denser neighborhoods.
• Average gas price (March 2025): $3.49/gallon
• Monthly car insurance: $110–$180, depending on provider and ZIP code
• RTA monthly bus pass: $55
Bike commuting is growing in popularity, especially in Mid-City, Marigny, and CBD. Learn more about transit options at NORTA.
Healthcare and Insurance
Louisiana still ranks among the states with higher out-of-pocket medical costs.
• Average health insurance (Marketplace Silver Plan): $460/month for an individual
• Urgent care visit (out of pocket): $125–$175
• Prescription drug prices are similar to national averages
Many residents rely on University Medical Center and sliding-scale clinics for more affordable care.
Entertainment and Lifestyle
The beauty of New Orleans is that you don’t need to spend much to enjoy the city. Free festivals, live music in the streets, and public art make it culturally rich even on a budget.
• Movie ticket: $12.50
• Local bar beer: $4–$6
• Jazz show in Frenchmen Street clubs: $10–$20 cover
• Saints game nosebleed seat: $45–$65
So What’s the Total?
Here’s a rough monthly estimate for a single adult living modestly in New Orleans in 2025:
| Expense | Monthly Estimate |
| Rent (1-bedroom) | $1,395 |
| Utilities | $175 |
| Internet | $75 |
| Groceries | $400 |
| Transportation | $150 |
| Health Insurance | $460 |
| Entertainment | $100 |
| Total | ~$2,755/month |
For couples or roommates, the per-person cost can drop significantly.
Is New Orleans Still Affordable in 2025?
New Orleans remains relatively affordable compared to cities like Austin, Miami, or Los Angeles, but the gap is narrowing. With wages not always keeping pace with rent, many locals are struggling to stay in the neighborhoods they’ve always called home.
Still, the city’s cultural value — music, food, heritage, and community — continues to draw people in. If you’re planning a move or just want to budget better, knowing the true cost of living in New Orleans is essential.
