On the Mississippi River, near the Gulf of Mexico, the ‘Big Easy’ city of New Orleans melts French, African, and American cultures to create a unique place.
Even as a visitor or tourist, you may be sold by the mouthwatering Cajun and Creole cuisine or the annual Mardi Gras festival. But are these enchanting enough to make a living in New Orleans appeal to you?
Is getting that daily dose of jazz, creole flavors, a splash of excitement, and a puff of heated breeze your ideal home environment?
What truly is it like to call this Louisiana city home?
Well, how about you learn all the majors and minors of life in the Big Easy, covering everything, from the cost of living to the critters.
Let’s go!
Dollar Bills and Jumbo Thrills — The Cost of Living
New Orleans is a popular tourist destination, and you know what comes with it: a sky-high cost of living.
The truth is living costs in New Orleans can be a bit high, especially compared to other southern cities at 12% higher than the national average.
With rising rent and housing prices, you will feel your wallet tighten a little if you are trying to live on New Orleans wages (which is less than the national median household income).
These costs may not be high enough for places like New York City, but you certainly need to budget wisely.
- Average House Rent: $1,380
- Median Home Value: $274,500
On the flip side, there’s plenty of affordable fun. Po’boy sandwiches won’t break the bank, and the local bars here offer cheap happy hours with music that’s worth every cent.
Groceries and transportation, after all, cost less than the national average. So, you can get around and buy things at a relatively more affordable rate.
| Expense Category | Compared to the National Average |
| Housing | 49% higher |
| Utilities | 26% lower |
| Groceries | 3% lower |
| Transportation | 6% lower |
| Healthcare | 10% higher |
Jobs and Jazz — The Economy and Employment
New Orleans’ economy is a mix of flavors — healthcare, education, hospitality, retail, and professional services. Thanks to events like Mardi Gras and Jazz Fest, the city has a strong tourism industry.
There are plenty of job opportunities here, but the unemployment rate tends to fluctuate. However, it’s especially great for those in the service industry or entrepreneurs who want to bring something new to the city’s creative and diverse landscape.
On average, your base salary in New Orleans hovers around $68,000. A paralegal can make about $59,344, while an executive director’s pay could be around $80,714.
This may seem low compared to many other big cities, but the Big Easy sure does not go big on pay, and your living expenses may be moderately easy to afford.
- Median Household Income: $51,116
- Unemployment Rate: 4.3%
- Poverty Rate: 22.9%
Living with the Humidity and Heat
Brace yourself—New Orleans’ weather is the definition of “sweat season” from May to September.
The summer heat is intense, reaching the 90s in August. Plus, living in New Orleans’ humidity makes you feel like you are swimming through the air.
When you engage the movers in New Orleans to relocate here, you should, like the locals, master the art of shade-hopping and AC appreciation.
That cool iced drink is always a necessity here. Meanwhile, the subtropical climate means you can enjoy the winter months with the temperature lows in the 50s.
Here’s an overview of the average seasonal temperature in New Orleans:
Winter — 58°F
Fall — 71°F
Spring — 72°F
Summer — 84°F
Hurricanes, Mosquitoes, and Bug Spray
Living in New Orleans means you need to watch out for the hurricane season, as the city is located below sea level. From June to November, everyone stays a little weather-aware.
Hurricane preparation is a serious annual task, as everyone wants to avoid a repeat of Hurricane Katrina’s 2005 disaster. Besides, the city has also improved its flood defenses over the years.
Nevertheless, just don’t forget your evacuation plan!
Speaking of pesky things, there are mosquitoes here in NOLA. If you’re outside a lot, bug spray would probably be your new best friend.
In fact, it’s pretty common to hear someone say, “Have you tried citronella candles?” at least twice a week.
Living Life Like a Local — Fun Things to Do
A day in the life of a New Orleanian is a balance of work, play, and embracing the city’s slow-and-easy pace.
People here enjoy the outdoors when the weather is nice. You can as well hang out in City Park or along the banks of the Mississippi River.
Other fun things to do in New Orleans include:
- Going for a jazz brunch
- Strolling through the Garden District
- Catching a Saints game
- A tour of the Sazerac House
- Dancing the night away to live music in the Marigny
Culture, Festivals, and Events: What Makes NOLA Unique?
New Orleans is the place for festivals, and it’s not just about Mardi Gras.
Sure, Mardi Gras is a magical parade-filled experience with beads flying everywhere, but there’s also Jazz Fest, French Quarter Fest, Voodoo Fest, and even the Essence Festival.
These celebrations pack the streets with music, dancing, and an unmistakable party atmosphere. Even street performers with saxophones, trumpets, and full brass bands turn the city into a live concert at any given moment.
New Orleanians don’t just live life; they celebrate it!
Another thing that makes New Orleans different from anywhere else in the U.S. is its open-container laws. Thanks to these laws, you can walk around with a drink in hand — no questions asked.
Moreover, living in New Orleans exposes you to a food scene that is its own adventure. Crawfish boils, gumbo, jambalaya, and beignets are at every corner. Plus, the city’s culture is dripping with soul, a mix of French, Spanish, and African influences.
Is New Orleans Crime-free?
Safety in New Orleans can be a mixed bag.
Like any major city with over 364,000 residents, it has areas that are best avoided at certain times.
Crime does exist here at a higher-than-average rate. There is a 1 in 69 chance of being a victim of violent crime in New Orleans, while the chance increases to 1 in 21 for property crime.
But most residents will tell you that living in New Orleans needs being smart and not scared.
Besides, it’s all about your choice of neighborhood. For instance, neighborhoods like Uptown, Bywater, Marigny, and the Garden District tend to be safer.
| per 1,000 residents | New Orleans Median | Louisiana Median | National Median |
| Violent Crime | 14.46 | 6.29 | 4.0 |
| Property Crime | 46.52 | 27.48 | 20.0 |
Final Thoughts: Are You Ready to Live in New Orleans?
Life in New Orleans is an experience like no other. You get a mix of everything — both the good and bad (unfortunately).
If you can get over the rough heat and humidity while finding ways to live with the mosquitoes and bugs, it becomes impossible not to enjoy New Orleans. There’s no place with more soul, culture, or music than this one-of-a-kind city.
Yes, you may pay a little more for a roof over your head and healthcare. But just the idea of eating your weight in choice and cultural delicacies at a relatively reduced cost makes living in New Orleans worth it — everytime!