New OrleansMoney Index August 2026
"Live for today, save for the storm."
New Orleans — Money Index — Key Facts
- 25-Minute Commute. New Orleans's one-way commute averages 25 minutes — right around the US norm. Roughly 192 hours a year on the road.
- Financial Stress: 62/100. Money stress in New Orleans sits at 62/100 — close to the national norm.
- Cost of Living: 97. New Orleans's cost of living sits at 97 — basically the US baseline (100 = US average).
- 6% of Land Is Parks. Only about 6% of New Orleans's land is parkland — well below the big-city median. Outdoor recreation costs more here.
- Ranked #42 of 50. New Orleans ranks #42 of 50 on the PickYourBank US City Money Index — a blend of savings rate, income, affordability, happiness and work-life balance.
- Work-Life Balance: 60/100. New Orleans scores 60/100 on work-life balance — one of the more livable big US metros.
- Happiness Score: 66/100. Residents rate life in New Orleans a 66/100 — roughly the US average.
- 48% Own Their Home. Only 48% of New Orleans households own — well below the US average of ~65%. Most residents are still renting.
- 9% Savings Rate. New Orleans households save about 9% of income — close to the US average.
- Median Household: $50k. New Orleans households earn about $50k — roughly 33% below the US average.
New Orleans residents enjoy a uniquely high quality of life — but lower-than-average savings rates and insurance costs sting.
With a median household income of ~$50k, a 9% savings rate, and a cost-of-living index of 97, New Orleans ranks #42 of 50 US cities in our overall money index.
Green space & commute
Two underrated money levers: how long you spend getting to work, and how much nature you can reach without paying for it.
Only ~6% of New Orleans's land is parkland — below the big-city median. Free outdoor recreation is scarcer here.
- • Source: Trust for Public Land ParkScore
- • Parks lower stress and lift nearby property values
- • Free recreation = zero-cost lifestyle upgrade
New Orleans's average commute (~25 min one-way) is close to the US average of ~27 minutes.
- • Source: US Census ACS mean one-way travel time
- • Owning a car runs ~$10k/year on average in the US
- • 10 fewer commute minutes/day ≈ 80 hours back per year
Typical New Orleans household budget
Modeled split of $100 of after-tax income, scaled to New Orleans's cost of living and savings rate.
How New Orleans feels about money
Four New Orleans money truths
New Orleans's savings rate runs 9% — automate even one extra percentage point and you compound serious money over a decade.
New Orleans is cheaper than the US average — your paycheck stretches noticeably further than in coastal metros.
Owning unlocks fixed housing costs and equity. Renters here can still build wealth — just channel the difference into index funds and a high-yield savings account.
Louisiana residents in New Orleans report a 66/100 happiness score with stress at 62/100 — money habits and lifestyle here track that mix closely.
"Home insurance in New Orleans is among the highest in the country."
Money lessons from New Orleans
- 1
Insurance is part of housing cost
- 2
Build a hurricane-grade emergency fund
- 3
Don't skimp on home structure
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New Orleans money FAQ
Is New Orleans, Louisiana a good city for saving money?+
New Orleans households save about 9% of income, with a happiness score of 66/100 and a work-life balance score of 60/100. New Orleans residents enjoy a uniquely high quality of life — but lower-than-average savings rates and insurance costs sting.
What is the median household income in New Orleans?+
The median household income in New Orleans, Louisiana is roughly $50,000 per year. About 38% of households have a 3-month emergency fund.
How affordable is New Orleans?+
New Orleans's cost of living index sits at 97 (100 = US average). Homeownership stands at 48%.
How long is the average commute in New Orleans?+
New Orleans's average commute (~25 min one-way) is close to the US average of ~27 minutes.
How much urban green space does New Orleans have?+
Only ~6% of New Orleans's land is parkland — below the big-city median. Free outdoor recreation is scarcer here.
What money personality fits New Orleans?+
The Dreamer — Buys experiences first; money follows meaning.
What's surprising about money in New Orleans?+
Home insurance in New Orleans is among the highest in the country.
