Average Rent in New Orleans 2026
The average rent in New Orleans, LA is $1,350 for a 1-bedroom, $1,650 for a 2-bedroom, and $2,100 for a 3-bedroom apartment in 2026. The cost of living in New Orleans is right at the national average. To afford a 1-bedroom apartment here using the 30% rule, you need an annual income of at least $54,000.
New Orleans Rent Prices by Bedroom
1 Bedroom
$1,350
per month
2 Bedrooms
$1,650
per month
3 Bedrooms
$2,100
per month
Cost of Living in New Orleans
100
Cost of Living Index (100 = national average)
New Orleans's cost of living index is 100, which is right at the national average. This index factors in housing, groceries, transportation, healthcare, and utilities. A higher number means you need more income to maintain the same standard of living compared to the national average.
New Orleans at a Glance
Population
376K
Median Income
$45,615
COL Index
100
Rent Control
No
How Much Income Do You Need to Rent in New Orleans?
The widely accepted guideline is to spend no more than 30% of your gross income on rent. Here is the minimum annual income you need to afford an apartment in New Orleans by bedroom count:
1-Bedroom
$1,350/mo rent
$54,000/yr
2-Bedroom
$1,650/mo rent
$66,000/yr
3-Bedroom
$2,100/mo rent
$84,000/yr
Based on the 30% rule: monthly rent should not exceed 30% of gross monthly income.
How Much You Save with a Roommate in New Orleans
Save $525/month
by splitting a 2-bedroom with a roommate
Solo 1BR
$1,350
per month
Split 2BR
$825
per person/month
Annual Savings
$6,300
per year
Instead of paying $1,350 for a 1-bedroom on your own, splitting a 2-bedroom ($1,650) with one roommate brings your share to $825. That is $6,300 per year you could put toward savings, investments, or paying down debt.
Rent Control in New Orleans
New Orleans, LA does not currently have rent control or rent stabilization laws. Landlords can raise rent by any amount at lease renewal, though they are typically required to provide advance notice (usually 30-60 days). If you are concerned about rent increases, consider negotiating a longer lease term for price stability.
Rent Calculators for New Orleans Renters
Use these free calculators to plan your New Orleans rental budget, split rent with roommates, and check if you qualify for an apartment.
Rent Affordability Calculator
Find out how much rent you can afford based on your income.
Fair Rent Split Calculator
Split rent fairly by room size, features, and income.
Rent-to-Income Calculator
Check if you meet the 3x rent rule landlords require.
Renter Budget Calculator
Build a 50/30/20 budget around your rent payment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in New Orleans
Is New Orleans expensive to rent in?
New Orleans rents sit right at the national average. A 1-bedroom averages $1,350 per month in 2026. The French Quarter and Garden District command premiums, while Mid-City and Gentilly offer more affordable options with character.
How much income do you need to rent in New Orleans?
Using the 30% rule, you need about $4,500 per month ($54,000 annually) to afford an average $1,350/month 1-bedroom apartment in New Orleans.
How much can you save by splitting rent with a roommate in New Orleans?
Splitting a 2-bedroom ($1,650/month) with one roommate brings your share to $825, saving $525 per month or $6,300 per year versus renting a 1-bedroom alone.
Planning to rent in New Orleans?