Cost of Living in New Orleans-Metairie, LA
Is it worth moving here?
How far does a $70,000 salary go in New Orleans-Metairie? Estimated income taxes on that gross salary total approximately $9,635 per year — combining federal taxes with Louisiana's state income tax. Subtract rent for a 2-bedroom apartment ($1,331/month based on HUD Fair Market Rents for the New Orleans-Metairie metro area) and the estimated annual take-home is $44,393, or roughly $3,699 per month for everything else: food, transportation, savings, and discretionary spending.
The New Orleans-Metairie metro has a cost of living index of 77.8 according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis Regional Price Parities (national average = 100). At 22% below the national average, New Orleans-Metairie is a genuinely affordable metro where everyday expenses stretch further than in most cities.
At a $70,000 salary, the estimated 2-bedroom rent in New Orleans-Metairie represents approximately 23% of gross income. That falls comfortably below the 30% rent-burden guideline, a healthy position for building savings.
Annual Breakdown
Cost of Living Index
Living in New Orleans-Metairie, LA is roughly 22% less expensive than the national average.
Monthly Take-Home
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Affordability Score
K-12 Schools
See Details →Colleges & Universities
See Details →| Institution | Enrollment | In-State Tuition | Grad Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare Training Institute | 124 | $0 | 97.0% |
| Tulane University of Louisiana | 13,078 | $61,306 | 89.0% |
| My Le's Beauty College | 84 | $0 | 81.0% |
| Crescent City Bartending School | 693 | $0 | 76.0% |
| Loyola University New Orleans | 4,351 | $45,280 | 67.0% |
| Paul Mitchell the School-New Orleans | 226 | $0 | 65.0% |
| Unitech Training Academy-New Orleans | 65 | $0 | 52.0% |
| Xavier University of Louisiana | 3,181 | $24,836 | 50.0% |
| John Jay Beauty College | 104 | $0 | 47.0% |
| Blue Cliff College-Metairie | 584 | $0 | 46.0% |
| Dillard University | 1,122 | $19,194 | 45.0% |
| Park Place Premier Barber School | 22 | $0 | 44.0% |
| University of New Orleans | 6,601 | $6,090 | 43.0% |
| New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary | 2,266 | $10,500 | 41.0% |
| University of Holy Cross | 1,152 | $14,040 | 36.0% |
| Herzing University-New Orleans | 368 | $12,360 | 29.0% |
| Delgado Community College | 12,130 | $3,335 | 22.0% |
| Nunez Community College | 2,950 | $3,335 | 18.0% |
| Southern University at New Orleans | 2,059 | $4,484 | 18.0% |
| Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center-New Orleans | 2,683 | $7,020 | — |
| NationsUniversity | 1,132 | $1,800 | — |
| Chamberlain University-Louisiana | 517 | $18,900 | — |
| Bridges Christian College | 124 | $6,000 | — |
| Stevensons Academy of Hair Design | 106 | $0 | — |
| The Chicago School at Xavier University of Louisiana | 22 | $0 | — |